LAHORE, July 24: The Punjab government has decided to set up a cancer hospital, which will be the first of its kind in public sector. This was said by Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi here on Sunday while presiding over a meeting of the health department.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the provincial minister, secretary, chief secretary, P&D chairman and principal finance secretary.

The chief minister ordered preparation of feasibility and identification of the land for the purpose. International experts should also be engaged in the effort, he said.

Pervaiz Elahi said a cancer research institute should also be established along with the hospital to provide modern health facilities to the people.

He said emergency services had been made free throughout the province and a heavy amount had already been allocated to this effect. Basic health units and rural health centres had also been made more effective through the Health Sector Reforms Programme.