Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a major initiative to establish cardiac catheterisation (Cath) labs in district headquarters hospitals across Punjab to provide quality treatment for heart diseases.

Under the plan, the state-of-the-art cath labs will ensure that patients suffering from heart problems receive timely care close to home.

“These labs will provide advanced services such as angiography, angioplasty, and primary PCI, giving patients a critical chance to survive heart emergencies if they arrive within 60 to 90 minutes,” the chief minister said.

Highlighting the human impact, Maryam Nawaz said the project would mean no more emergency journeys to far-off cities during a heart attack.

With trained interventional cardiologists and specialised medical teams stationed at district hospitals, she added, emergency care will become faster and more effective, saving countless lives.

The chief minister also stressed that the new facilities will ease pressure on large hospitals, reduce complications from heart diseases, and bring the healthcare system in Punjab up to international standards.

Authorities have been directed to offer attractive packages to attract highly skilled professionals for these district labs.

“Every citizen, no matter where they live in Punjab, deserves quick access to quality healthcare,” Maryam said, reaffirming her commitment to putting life-saving treatment within reach of every family in the province.