GILGIT: Work on the first ever cancer hospital has started here, which will be complete in three years at a cost of Rs2.5 billion.

The Gilgit Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (GINOR) is jointly implemented by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and the federal government. The stone laying ceremony of the project was held in Gilgit on Friday performed by Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman. Force Commander FCNA Maj-Gen Saqib Mahmood Malik, GB chief secretary Dr Kazim Niaz, and PAEC officials were also present. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Rahman lauded former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for announcing to establish the hospital.

He said cancer patients in the region were deprived of the cancer treatment, adding the Punjab government had released cheques worth Rs220 million while the federal government had released Rs90 million for the project.

He promised implementation of all mega projects announced by the PML-N government.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2018