The federal government swiftly approved the Rs 53 billion Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital project, bypassing essential requirements like a detailed feasibility study and business plan. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared the project despite serious lapses in its preparation, giving the provincial government six months to address these gaps. Hours later, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, also pushed through the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital project.
Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal chaired the CDWP meeting, his first as CDWP chairman after Dr. Jehanzab Khan’s resignation. The Punjab government will finance the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment & Research in Lahore, with an estimated cost of Rs 52.7 billion. For the current fiscal year, Rs6 billion has been allocated for construction.
The Planning Commission had earlier recommended that the CDWP approve the project only after receiving a comprehensive feasibility study, including a business plan, governance structure, human resource requirements, and an exit strategy for sustainability. Despite this, the CDWP allowed the project to proceed, setting a six-month deadline for these requirements to be met.
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The Planning Commission noted concerns about the lack of detailed plans for building another major cancer treatment facility in the province, highlighting the financial risks of proceeding without thorough feasibility studies. The project aims to provide low-cost, quality cancer treatment through a 565-bed facility, integrating surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.
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The Punjab government stated that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital would offer state-of-the-art facilities and personalized treatment plans, serving as a beacon of hope for patients and their families. However, the Planning Commission warned of potential cost overruns and financial risks due to the project’s reliance on “rough estimates.”
