LAHORE: The Punjab government will set up catheterisation laboratories in 16 districts of the province to treat cardiac patients.

The districts include Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Kasur, Jhang, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, Toba Tek Singh, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin and Hafizabad.

“Deployment of doctors and staff for these laboratories has started. Services of the best interventional cardiologists will be provided and doctors with diplomas from FCPS, MD and American Board of Cardiology will be appointed in district headquarters hospitals,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said during a meeting here on Tuesday.

“Cath experienced cardiology medical officers and nurses will also be placed in labs. Catheter laboratories will also have medical imaging technologists and catheter lab technologists,” she said.

She said the Directorate General Health Services, Punjab had started the process of appointing cardiologists, medical officers, nurses and technologists.

The CM said that with the establishment of catheter labs in districts, patients would not have to go to big cities for angioplasty.

“Labs will be established in every district in a phased manner. We will ensure presence of not only the best doctors but also the best staff in district’s catheter lab. Every patient will be provided with the best treatment facilities at their doorstep,” she said. — Staff Reporter