If you or someone in your family is suffering from cancer and you live in Punjab, this page is for you. Here you will find complete and up-to-date information about the CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026. It tells what the program covers, who can benefit, how to register, and what to expect during treatment. This guide is written in simple language so anyone can understand it.
What Is the CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026?
Cancer treatment in Pakistan is extremely expensive. For most low-and middle-income families, the cost of chemotherapy, surgery, and hospital stays is simply out of reach. This is why the chief minister of Punjab launched the CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026 to provide free, quality cancer treatment to patients across Punjab.
- The program is part of a broader healthcare initiative called the Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Cancer Patients.
- It is managed by the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC).
- It is supported by State Life Insurance Corporation.
- The Punjab government has allocated Rs. 13 billion for the program.
- Since its launch, more than 12,000 patients registered within the first 15 days alone.
Core Features of the CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026
| Coverage |
Up to Rs. 10 lakh per patient per year |
| Treatment covered |
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, diagnostics, medicines |
| Who can benefit? |
All permanent residents of Punjab |
| No extra payment |
Treatment costs are settled directly with hospitals. |
| Cancer Card |
Distributed to eligible patients to access treatment |
CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026 Registration
CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026 registration can be done through the following channels:
Option 1 – Visit an Empaneled Hospital
- Visit any government hospital that is part of the program's network.
- A Hospital Facilitation Officer (HFO) will be available to guide you through the process on-site.
- You will need to bring your original CNIC.
Option 2 – Check Eligibility via SMS
- Send your number as an SMS to 8500.
- You will receive a reply confirming whether you are eligible.
Option 3 – Helpline 1000
- Call 1000 for help with registration.
Cancer Card Distribution
Once registered and approved, patients receive a physical or digital cancer card. This card is used to access free treatment at any hospital in the program network. The Punjab Health Minister has already begun distributing these cards to patients at hospitals across the province.
CM Punjab Cancer Program 2026 Eligibility
The CM Punjab Cancer Program eligibility criteria are broad:
Who qualifies:
- All permanent residents of Punjab province.
- Patients diagnosed with any type of cancer.
- Patients of any age.
- Patients from any income group.
Who does not qualify:
- Government employees who already have medical reimbursement or coverage.
- Patients covered by private health insurance for cancer treatment.
- Residents of other provinces.
Documents typically needed
- Original CNIC (or B-Form for minors)
- Cancer diagnosis/confirmation report from a recognized medical facility
- Blood group report
What Treatments Are Covered?
The program covers a wide range of cancer-related treatments, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Cancer surgery
- Advanced diagnostic tests (pathology, radiology)
- Medicines (including take-home cancer medications)
- Post-hospitalization follow-up (1 day pre- and 5 days post-hospitalization expenses)
Hospitals Under the Program
The program has empaneled both government and private hospitals. Major categories include:
- All public-sector teaching hospitals.
- District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals across Punjab's 36 districts.
- Partner private tertiary care hospitals in major cities.
Newly established or upgraded facilities under the CM initiative include:
- Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, Lahore
- Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, Lahore
- Sargodha Cardiology Institute
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMO)
- Anmol Hospital
Note: Always confirm with the hospital's health card or facilitation desk before your visit.