CDWP Approves Rs. 53 Billion Cancer Hospital Without Feasibility Study:

CDWP Approves Rs. 53 Billion Cancer Hospital Without Feasibility Study

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recently approved the establishment of  Nawaz Sharif  Cancer Treatment and Research Institute, a project worth Rs 52.7 billion in Lahore. However, the approval was controversial as it was given without a detailed feasibility study or business plan. This has raised questions about the financial viability and sustainability of the project. Despite the lack of necessary preparatory work, the project went ahead as there was an urgent need for a comprehensive cancer treatment facility in Punjab. Many patients currently lack access to affordable treatment in Punjab. The project will include a 565-bed hospital that will provide integrated cancer treatment services including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The CDWP gave the Punjab government a six-month deadline to complete the necessary feasibility studies, governance plans, and other key details. Critics, including members of the Planning Commission, have pointed to potential risks such as cost overruns and the lack of a clear financial strategy to manage the project's long-term expenses.