LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly has passed the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Bill 2025, paving the way for the establishment of an autonomous institution for cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in the province.
Under the newly passed legislation, the institute will function as an independent institution with its own board of governors, executive council, dean, and expert directors. A special selection board will be formed to oversee appointments to all key positions.
The bill states that the funding of the institute will be obtained from government grants, donations and international assistance. It also empowers the organization to purchase, hold and manage land. However, the sale or transfer of government land will require prior approval from the provincial government.
In addition to the bill, the assembly also passed a resolution on cancer diagnosis and care, highlighting the urgent need for better facilities across Punjab. The resolution mentioned the rapid increase in cancer cases, stating that one in every eight women in Pakistan is diagnosed with breast cancer and that delays in diagnosis and treatment are leading to an increase in mortality rates.