The Punjab government has abolished the Manawan Cancer Hospital, which was established during the caretaker setup, and reverted it to its previous status as a Tehsil Hospital, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Monday.
The caretaker government had earlier upgraded the facility into a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, constructing modern operation theatres and spending more than Rs800 million to transform it into a specialised treatment centre.
However, the current government has dismantled the arrangement, dismissing hundreds of employees, including doctors and nurses, and transferring them to other health facilities.
The hospital’s management has now been handed over to the Health and Population Department.
Chemotherapy and other cancer treatment facilities have also been discontinued, leaving many cancer patients without access to services at the hospital.
The decision has sparked concern, with patients and their families left stranded following the closure of Manawan Cancer Hospital’s oncology services.
Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary