CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 Advancing Organ Donation Restoring Hope

Lahore, May 15, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the CM Punjab Transplant Program on February 1, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative offering free organ transplants to underprivileged patients across Punjab. Managed by the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) and the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA), the program covers liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea, and cochlear implant surgeries, making life-saving treatments accessible to those who cannot afford them. As of May 2025, the program has begun registrations and partnered with top hospitals to deliver these services.

What is the CM Punjab Transplant Program?

The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 is Pakistan’s most comprehensive free organ transplant initiative, aimed at supporting patients with severe organ failure. It fully funds five types of transplants—liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea, and cochlear implants for children born deaf—covering surgery, hospital stays, and one year of post-operative medication. The program operates in both public and private hospitals, ensuring high-quality care and ethical organ donation through a centralized donor-recipient matching system. By May 2025, over 150 bone marrow transplants have been completed at Lahore Children’s Hospital alone, with a success rate of 89%.

Objectives

• Financial Support: Cover all transplant costs, including surgeries costing PKR 4.2 million per case for bone marrow.
• Accessibility: Provide services in urban and rural areas via public and private hospitals.
• Transparency: Use PHOTA’s registration and verification for fair access.
• Life-Saving Care: Reduce mortality from organ failure and restore normal life (e.g., hearing via cochlear implants, vision via corneal transplants).

Covered Transplants

• Liver Transplant: For patients with end-stage liver disease.
• Kidney Transplant: For those with kidney failure requiring dialysis.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Primarily for children with blood disorders like leukemia.
• Cornea Transplant: To restore vision in cases of blindness.
• Cochlear Implants: For children born deaf to enable hearing.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, patients must:

• Be Punjab residents with a valid CNIC.
• Have a confirmed diagnosis of organ failure (verified by a specialist).
• Have a household income below PKR 50,000/month (PHOTA verifies financial need).
• Be aged 18–65 for kidney, liver, or heart transplants; no age limit for cornea or cochlear implants.
• Register with PHOTA for donor matching and approval.

Registration Process

The registration process is simple and can be completed online or in person:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to phota.punjab.gov.pk and click on “CM Transplant Program.”
2. Create an Account: Enter your CNIC, mobile number, and personal details.
3. Submit Documents:
   • CNIC copy.
   • Medical reports confirming organ failure (from a specialist).
   • Income proof (e.g., affidavit or NSER PMT score ≤ 32).
   • Doctor’s recommendation letter.
4. Online Submission: Upload documents and submit the form. You’ll receive an acknowledgment SMS/email with a reference number.
5. Verification: PHOTA verifies documents and medical eligibility within 7–14 days. Face-to-face verification may be required at a PHOTA office or hospital.
6. Approval and Scheduling: Approved patients are assigned a transplant center and informed of the timeline. Application period: March 1–May 31, 2025. Notifications by June 15, 2025.

In-Person Option: Visit a PHOTA office or designated hospital (list below) with original documents for registration.

Note: No registration or treatment fees apply. The government covers all costs.

Participating Hospitals

The program partners with top public and private hospitals equipped for complex transplants. As of May 2025, the following hospitals are confirmed, with more to be announced:

• Lahore General Hospital, Lahore: +92 42 111 123 456
• Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad: +92 51 920 5252
• Children’s Hospital, Lahore (bone marrow transplants): +92 42 9923 0901
• Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore: +92 42 3586 5701
• Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Lahore: +92 42 9920 3051

Private hospitals like Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (+92 21 111 911 911), are expected to join post-May 2025. Check phota.punjab.gov.pk for the updated list.

How It Works

1. Registration: Complete registration via PHOTA.
2. Donor Matching: PHOTA’s centralized database ensures ethical organ matching.
3. Surgery: Performed by top specialists at accredited hospitals.
4. Post-Operative Care: Includes one year of free medication and follow-ups.
5. Tracking: Monitor application status on phota.punjab.gov.pk using your CNIC and reference number.

Benefits

• Free Treatment: Covers surgery, hospital stay, and post-operative care (e.g., PKR 4.2 million per bone marrow transplant).
• Wide Access: Available in public and private hospitals across Punjab.
• Life-Changing: Restores vision, hearing, or organ function for normal life.
• Transparent: PHOTA ensures fair donor matching and no financial burden.

Latest Updates (May 15, 2025)

• Launch: Program started on February 1, 2025, with registrations open from March 1.
• Progress: 150 bone marrow transplants completed at Lahore Children’s Hospital, benefiting children from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Afghanistan.
• Helpline: Toll-free number 0900-90800 is active for inquiries and registration assistance.
• Expansion: More private hospitals to be added by June 2025, increasing capacity.
• Geopolitical Note: Despite India-Pakistan tensions (May 7, 2025), the program remains operational, but patients near conflict zones should confirm hospital access.

Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge: Limited organ availability.
  • Solution: PHOTA’s expanded donor registry ensures ethical sourcing.
• Challenge: Lack of awareness in rural areas.
  • Solution: Community seminars and helpline (0900-90800) provide information.
• Challenge: CNIC or document issues.
  • Solution: Update CNIC at NADRA and visit PHOTA offices for help.
• Challenge: Hospital capacity in rural districts.
  • Solution: More hospitals to be added by June 2025.

Tips for Applicants

• Verify CNIC and mobile SIM are linked via NADRA.
• Get medical reports from a specialist confirming organ failure.
• Apply before May 31, 2025, via phota.punjab.gov.pk.
• Call 0900-90800 for assistance or to report issues.
• Check hospital list and status updates on the official portal.
• Avoid unofficial agents; the program is free.

Impact and Future Plans

The program has already saved lives, with 150 children receiving bone marrow transplants by May 2025. It aims to:

• Expand to more hospitals by June 2025.
• Increase donor registrations for faster matching.
• Integrate with the Maryam Nawaz Health Card for broader healthcare coverage.
• Launch awareness campaigns to boost rural participation.

Final Thoughts

The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025, launched by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a lifeline for patients with organ failure, offering free liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea, and cochlear implant surgeries. Register by May 31, 2025, via phota.punjab.gov.pk or at PHOTA offices/hospitals like Lahore General Hospital (+92 42 111 123 456). With no costs and a transparent process, this initiative ensures life-saving care for all. For updates or help, call 0900-90800 or visit the official portal. Don’t miss this chance to access world-class treatment and transform lives.