By Muhammad Saleem
For many heart patients in rural Pakistan, the journey to Lahore for treatment is more than just a medical need. It’s a costly affair that takes both a physical and economic toll.
Every time a patient from a distant district travels to Lahore for care, not only does the patient suffer, but their companion also loses a day of work.
When you multiply this by the thousands of people living in Punjab, the largest province in Pakistan, the financial burden becomes clear.
To help ease this pressure, the Punjab government has launched an important new initiative: building modern catheterisation laboratories, or Cath labs, in smaller districts.
This will bring advanced heart care much closer to home, allowing patients to receive treatment without the need for expensive travel.
The government says that setting up these facilities won’t just improve healthcare access. It will also help boost local economies by creating jobs and saving money on travel for those in need of treatment.
Dr. Muhammad Irfan, a medicine specialist, pointed out that rising inflation has already forced many people to cut back on basic healthcare, with some even stopping their medication. “Heart disease is on the rise everywhere,” he said, “and setting up Cath labs in districts will help reduce the burden of travel costs for patients.”
For example, a round trip from Jhang to Lahore for heart check-ups can cost between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000, a significant expense for many families.
“This initiative will not only save people money but also create jobs and make it easier for thousands of people to get the care they need,” he added.
Dr. Irfan also noted that the new labs will help reduce the heavy patient load at hospitals in Lahore, allowing for quicker treatment at the district level.
First Phase of the Project Underway
In the first phase, the Punjab government has started building new Cath labs in Kasur, Jhelum, Layyah, Vehari, Attock, Mianwali, Jhang, and Bahawalnagar. These labs are expected to open by the end of the year.
A government official explained that the second phase will include another eight districts: Rajanpur, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, Bhakkar, Toba Tek Singh, Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, and Hafizabad.
The goal of this expansion is simple: “We want people to receive quick, quality treatment for heart conditions without having to travel to big cities like Lahore or Islamabad,” said the official.
To ensure the highest standards of care, highly qualified cardiologists will be deployed in these district hospitals, including those with advanced certifications like FCPS, MD, and American Board of Cardiology.
Improving Healthcare and Economy
Dr. Irfan believes that using technology to bring healthcare services to rural areas is essential. “This will be a huge blessing for the communities that will have these labs,” he said.
Ali Raza, a teacher at Government College University, Lahore, also pointed out the wider benefits of this initiative.
“A sick population hurts the local economy,” he said. “When someone gets heart disease, they often need a family member to go with them for treatment. That means both the patient and the attendant lose valuable work time or business income.”
The new Cath labs, Raza believes, will not only improve access to life-saving treatment but will also create jobs for medical professionals, support staff, and local pharmaceutical suppliers.
“Families won’t have to leave their towns for treatment, which will allow them to stay active in their local economies,” he added.
A Healthier, Stronger Future for Punjab
With these new Cath labs, the Punjab government hopes to make heart care more accessible, affordable, and efficient.
By bringing treatment closer to home, the initiative will not only save money but also improve the quality of life for many people across the province.
As these labs open in more districts, they will help ensure that people with heart conditions no longer have to travel long distances for care, allowing them to stay healthy and continue contributing to their communities.
Author Profile
