Punjab has achieved a major milestone in healthcare as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan’s first co-ablation cancer treatment center at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. This cutting-edge facility positions Punjab as a regional leader, introducing technology that is not yet available in neighboring countries.
A Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment
During the inauguration ceremony, Maryam Nawaz revealed that two successful surgeries had already been performed using the newly imported system. She first encountered the technology during a recent visit to China and promptly directed its introduction in Pakistan.
To expand access to advanced cancer care, the Chief Minister also announced the installation of five additional co-ablation machines across Punjab and emphasized the need for master trainers to educate doctors and medical staff.
How Co-Ablation Technology Works
Senior Radiologist Dr. Shehzad Kareem Bhatti explained that the co-ablation procedure targets cancer cells through extreme temperature changes:
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Cancerous cells are frozen at -198°C using liquid nitrogen.
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They are then heated to 83°C, destroying the cells within 60–120 minutes.
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Patients can typically resume walking within a few hours after the procedure.
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Each treatment costs approximately Rs. 1.6 million.
Currently, this advanced technology is being applied in the treatment of liver, lung, and breast cancers.
Early Success and Patient Outcomes
One of the first patients to benefit was Rana Muhammad Asghar, who was successfully treated for liver cancer. He, along with other patients, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for bringing this life-saving treatment to Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz personally met patients and healthcare professionals at the facility, praising their dedication and highlighting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.
Training and Future Expansion Plans
A specialized team of doctors, bioengineers, and technicians, led by Dr. Bhatti, has already received professional training in China to ensure safe and effective implementation of co-ablation technology in Pakistan.
Looking ahead, the Punjab government plans to expand these facilities across the province, aiming to provide world-class cancer care to patients and set new standards in the country’s healthcare system.
