Healthcare remains one of the greatest challenges in Pakistan, especially for underprivileged families who struggle to afford expensive medical treatments for life-threatening conditions. Among these, congenital heart disease in children has been a persistent concern, as thousands of children are born each year with heart defects that require immediate surgery. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched a groundbreaking initiative: the Children’s Heart Surgery Program. This welfare scheme has quickly become a symbol of hope, offering free heart surgeries and comprehensive medical care to children across the province and even beyond Punjab.
Understanding the Program
The program, formally introduced in late 2025 under the name “Maryam Ki Masihaai,” was designed to ensure that no child in Pakistan dies due to the inability of their parents to afford surgery. The initiative provides completely free heart surgeries, medical interventions, and follow-up care for children diagnosed with congenital or acquired heart diseases.
Unlike traditional health schemes that focus solely on one province, this program is open to children from all over Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. By adopting an inclusive approach, the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz has demonstrated a vision of national unity and compassion.
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The Scale of Success
Since its launch, the program has achieved remarkable progress in a very short period. According to official records, by April 2025:
- Over 7,436 children had been registered under the scheme.
- More than 3,162 successful heart surgeries and medical interventions were carried out within just six months.
- Both public sector hospitals and selected private hospitals have been engaged to ensure that every registered child receives timely treatment.
Earlier reports from November 2025 showed that 530 surgeries had already been conducted across six government hospitals and eight private hospitals. This consistent performance highlights the government’s commitment to sustaining the program as a long-term healthcare solution rather than a short-term relief effort.
How the Program Works
The Children’s Heart Surgery Program follows a transparent and organized process to ensure that families can access treatment without hurdles.
- Registration
Parents or guardians are required to register their child through the Punjab government health program portal. Essential details such as the child’s name, date of birth, guardian’s CNIC number, and medical documents confirming the heart condition must be submitted online. - Medical Verification
A panel of cardiologists and pediatric specialists reviews the application and medical reports. This ensures that urgent cases are prioritized and that every child receives the appropriate medical intervention. - Issuance of Child Surgery Card
Once the application is approved, families are provided with a Child Surgery Card. This card is their key to free surgeries, diagnostics, hospital admissions, and follow-up treatments. - Treatment Allocation
Children are treated at government hospitals first. However, if public hospitals are at full capacity, the child is referred to private hospitals, where the government bears all expenses. - Monitoring and Transparency
To prevent delays and resource misuse, the program operates on a centralized online dashboard. This system enables the government to track the number of surgeries, manage hospital capacity, and ensure that funds are used effectively.
A Blessing for Families in Need
For low-income families, heart surgery costs are often unbearable. A single pediatric heart surgery can cost anywhere from Rs. 400,000 to over Rs. 1 million in private hospitals. With the launch of this program, families no longer have to make the heartbreaking choice between selling their assets or watching their child suffer without treatment.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this program is that it covers not only the surgery itself but also diagnostic tests, pre-surgery care, medications, and post-surgery follow-up visits. This comprehensive approach ensures that children recover fully and can lead healthier lives.
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Achievements in Numbers
| Category | Details (as of April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Children Registered | 7,436 |
| Successful Surgeries/Interventions | 3,162 |
| Hospitals Involved (Govt + Private) | 14+ |
| Duration Since Launch | 6 months |
| Coverage | Punjab and All Provinces of Pakistan |
These statistics reflect not only the government’s efficiency but also the genuine commitment of Maryam Nawaz Sharif to social welfare.
The Vision Behind the Initiative
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has repeatedly emphasized that the health and future of children are at the heart of her political agenda. In her public addresses, she has stated that “no child should die because of financial constraints.” The Children’s Heart Surgery Program directly reflects this vision, aligning with her broader mission of improving healthcare infrastructure in Punjab and providing equal opportunities for all citizens.
The program is not just about medical treatment; it is about restoring hope, dignity, and confidence among families who have lost faith in the healthcare system.
Broader Impact on Society
Beyond individual families, the program has far-reaching impacts on society as a whole:
- Reducing Infant Mortality Rates: By addressing congenital heart conditions at an early stage, the program helps reduce child mortality in Pakistan.
- Strengthening the Healthcare System: The collaboration between government and private hospitals sets a new benchmark for public-private partnerships in healthcare.
- Economic Relief for Families: Families who might have gone into debt for treatment are now relieved of that burden, enabling them to focus on education, livelihood, and better living standards.
- Raising Awareness: The program has also encouraged parents to get early medical checkups for their children, leading to timely diagnoses and interventions.
How Families Can Apply
If you are a parent seeking treatment for your child under this program, here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit the Official Portal of the Punjab Health Department.
- Complete the registration form by entering personal and medical details.
- Upload medical reports that confirm the child’s heart condition.
- Wait for the medical panel review and approval.
- Receive the Child Surgery Card, which guarantees free access to treatment.
- Visit the assigned hospital for surgery or intervention.
This process is designed to be free, transparent, and family-friendly so that parents can access treatment without facing red tape or corruption.
Conclusion
The Children’s Heart Surgery Program, introduced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is more than a healthcare initiative—it is a lifeline for thousands of families across Pakistan. By combining compassion with efficiency, the program has already saved thousands of young lives and continues to grow at a rapid pace.
In a country where medical expenses often push families into poverty, this initiative stands out as a game-changer. It not only provides free medical care but also strengthens public trust in government institutions. For parents, it means hope restored. For children, it means a chance to live, play, and dream. As the program expands further, it is expected to become a model of healthcare reform that other provinces and even neighboring countries may look to replicate. Truly, this initiative is a shining example of how visionary leadership can bring about meaningful change in society.
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