Lahore, 29 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that cardiac catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) will be established in eight districts of the province by November, while facilities are planned in seven additional districts by February. Speaking on World Heart Day, the chief minister emphasised the importance of preventive measures and healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Maryam Nawaz reiterated the provincial government’s plan to establish cath labs and cardiology centres at all district headquarters hospitals across Punjab. According to her, 7,294 cardiac patients have so far undergone successful procedures at cath labs in six districts, while 4,448 angiographies and 2,763 angioplasties have been performed in Jhelum, Jhang, Vehari, Kasur, Mianwali and Bahawalnagar. She said two patients had also successfully received temporary pacemakers at the cath lab of District Headquarters Hospital Kasur. The chief minister said state-of-the-art cardiac centres would also be established in every division of Punjab. She directed authorities to ensure the provision of free medicines at all cardiac hospitals, including the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, while free medicines, stents and bypass surgeries are being provided to heart patients. Maryam Nawaz further said that free blood pressure and diabetes screening was being conducted through Clinics on Wheels and field hospitals. She urged students to avoid junk food and smoking and directed the launch of awareness programmes in schools focusing on heart health and physical activity. The chief minister also called for a dedicated awareness campaign on cardiovascular diseases among women and said the provincial government was committed to providing every citizen of Punjab with access to a healthier life and protection against heart diseases.