In February, a truly groundbreaking moment unfolded as the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched the CM Punjab Transplant Program, a visionary initiative that has already begun bringing real change to millions across the province. As someone who has worked in public health awareness, I’ve never seen such a high-quality, transparent, and efficient implementation of a healthcare policy in Pakistan before. Managed by the Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) and the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA), this executing agency is focused on removing financial barriers and ensuring accessibility to world-class medical care for underprivileged patients who simply cannot afford the life-saving treatments they desperately need.
By May, registrations had opened and the program, which covers vital organ transplants such as liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea, and cochlear implant surgeries, began partnering with top hospitals to deliver services. This Government step, under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to provide free transplants to patients suffering from severe organ failure by offering a crucial method that not only saves organs but also lives. Through a modernized hospital network, the initiative has expanded to include logistical assistance and registration steps, making the entire process simpler and more accessible. This is truly Pakistan’s boldest effort in advancing organ donation, not just a program, but a symbol of hope.
CM Punjab Transplant Program
The CM Punjab Transplant Program under the Organ Transplant Initiative is Pakistan’s most comprehensive step toward delivering quality healthcare to patients in need. Launched in 2025, the program fully funds five types of transplants including liver, kidney, bone, marrow, cornea, and cochlear implants for children born deaf. It not only covers the surgery, hospital stays, and one year of post-operative medication, but also focuses on supporting those with severe organ failure by offering free treatment in both public and private hospitals. The program ensures high-quality care, ethical donation, and a centralized donor-recipient matching system, setting a strong benchmark in the region’s transplant services.
Having seen patients struggle with medical expenses, I’ve personally witnessed how this government program has connected families to premier facilities, offering real solutions. With added hospitals and improved entry system operations, the entire experience has become much better for everyone involved. As of May, over 150 bone marrow transplants were completed at Lahore Children’s Hospital alone, achieving an impressive success rate of 89%. This effort uses vital resources to decrease financial burdens while uplifting Pakistan’s medical infrastructure with remarkable efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Program’s Mission
The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 stands as a comprehensive medical initiative in Pakistan, designed to ensure that no individual is deprived of essential organ treatment due to financial constraints. Having worked in the public health sector, I’ve seen the real impact of such efforts, especially in rural and urban areas where access to quality healthcare was once a dream for many.
This program is not just about transplants, it’s about restoring life, hearing, and vision. With a special focus on those who are financially struggling, the initiative has made organ transplants accessible to citizens from every background without favoritism or bias. The services are delivered via public and private hospitals through a corruption-free process managed by PHIMC in collaboration with experts and leading doctors.
Key Features of the CM Punjab Transplant Program
- 100% Free Treatment: The program covers all transplant costs, including surgeries, hospital stay, and post-treatment medication for one-year after the surgery.
- Financial Support: Each transplant, like bone marrow, can cost up to PKR 4.2 million per case, but the government ensures these are fully paid for qualified patients.
- Accessibility: The initiative aims to provide accessible services in both urban and rural areas, reaching individuals regardless of socio-economic condition.
- Transparency and Fair Access: PHOTA’s registration and verification system is mandatory for eligibility, promoting ethical donation and ensuring equal access for all.
- Life-Saving Care: Designed to reduce mortality from organ failure, the program includes treatments to restore normal life, such as:
- Cochlear implants for hearing impairments
- Corneal transplants for vision restoration
- Liver, kidney, and bone marrow transplants for life-saving interventions
- Special Focus Areas
- Liver transplant: For hepatitis and liver failure; over 12 million people in Pakistan suffer from Hepatitis B and C annually
- Kidney transplant: For over 22 million patients battling kidney disease
- Bone marrow transplant: Critical for leukemia, blood disorders, and providing interventions
- Corneal transplant: Restoring vision for those with corneal diseases
- Cochlear implants: Helping children and individuals to regain auditory functions
- Collaboration with Experts: The program is managed by PHIMC and works closely with leading hospitals and doctors to ensure smooth operations across Punjab.
- Official Details: For more details, call 0800-09009 or visit PHIMC’s official website.
Types of Free Transplants Covered by the Program
The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 is a public health program that the government has designed to provide free and high-quality medical care to financially strained individuals. I’ve seen firsthand how patients and their families, especially in rural areas, struggle to afford treatment for critical diseases. This initiative provides full assistance for some of the most needed procedures, helping many return to normal life without the expense of costly surgery.
The program covers five types of life-saving transplants. Each is chosen based on its impact on restoring key functions like vision, hearing, and survival from organ failure. These transplants are crucial for both children and adults, especially those requiring dialysis, living with blood disorders, or born with impairments.
- Liver Transplant: Offered to patients suffering from end-stage liver disease, where timely treatment can be life-saving.
- Kidney Transplant: For those with kidney failure, especially individuals requiring dialysis regularly. The program ensures they receive full coverage.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: Primarily designed for children with serious blood disorders such as leukemia, this procedure can translate into long-term recovery.
- Cornea Transplant: For those facing blindness, this helps restore vision and support regaining eyesight, a basic right for every person.
- Cochlear Implants: These are for children born deaf or those with hearing impairments. They enable hearing and help in early learning and communication.
Who Can Apply for the Transplant? – Eligibility Requirements Explained
To benefit from the CM Organ Transplant Initiative 2025, it is important for patients to first check and meet all the necessary requirements before applying. I’ve helped many families in Punjab go through this process, and one thing that always helps is understanding the eligibility clearly. The program has been simplified, and the registration steps are now easier than ever, with complete details provided through official channels like the PHIMC website.
The Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA) plays a key role in ensuring the legal and ethical compliance of all transplant procedures. The guidelines are strict but fair, and they’re in place to make sure that each donor and recipient match is handled with full medical transparency and care.
- Must be permanent residents of Pakistan, especially from Punjab, with valid residency status.
- Patients must hold a valid CNIC.
- A confirmed diagnosis of end-stage organ failure (like kidney, liver, or heart) is needed, verified by a certified specialist.
- Household income must be below PKR 50,000/month, which will be verified by PHOTA to assess financial need.
- Eligible age for kidney, liver, or heart transplants is between 18–65 years.
- There is no age limit for cornea or cochlear implants.
- Must register with PHOTA for donor matching and receive formal approval.
- The registration process has been simplified, and full information is available.
- For more details, contact the helpline 0800-09009 or visit the PHIMC website at www.phimc.punjab.gov.pk.
How to Apply for the CM Transplant Program: Step-by-Step Registration Guide
If you’re a citizen of Punjab suffering from severe organ failure, the CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a game-changer. This government-backed initiative aims to provide free transplants to underprivileged individuals in need of a kidney, liver, bone marrow, corneal, or cochlear implant. As a health coordinator working closely with transplant candidates, I have seen many lives saved through this program. Here’s how to register for this life-saving support.
Follow these steps for a smooth registration process:
- Visit the Official Portal
Go to phota.punjab.gov.pk and click on “CM Transplant Program” to begin the registration. - Create an Account
Enter your CNIC, mobile number, and personal details such as name, contact, and health history. - Submit Required Documents
Upload the following:- CNIC copy
- Medical reports confirming organ failure (signed by a specialist)
- Income proof (like an affidavit or NSER PMT score ≤ 32)
- Doctor’s recommendation letter
- Online Submission
After filling in the form, upload your documents and submit. You’ll receive an acknowledgment via SMS or email with a reference number. - Verification Phase
PHOTA verifies the submitted documents and your medical eligibility within 7–14 days. A face-to-face check at a PHOTA office or designated hospital may be required. - Approval and Scheduling
Once approved, patients are assigned a transplant center and informed about the timeline. The application period is March 1–May 31, 2025, with notifications issued by June 15, 2025. - In-Person Option
If preferred, you can visit a designated hospital or PHOTA office with original documents for manual registration.
Important Notes:
- There are no registration or treatment fees — the government covers all costs.
- For any queries or help, you can call 0800-09009 or visit www.phimc.punjab.gov.pk.
Leading Hospitals Supporting the Organ Transplant Initiative
The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 has grown into a trusted life-saving initiative because of its strong network of major hospitals across Pakistan. These public and private hospitals are carefully selected partners in the program, offering advanced care, trained specialists, and the necessary infrastructure to manage complex transplants. As someone working in patient coordination, I’ve witnessed how top hospitals have transformed lives through timely surgeries and consistent follow-up services.
Many of these hospitals are already confirmed as of May 2025, while others are expected to join post-May. Here’s an updated list of the committed centers that are fully equipped to perform kidney, liver, bone marrow, cornea, cochlear, and even Heart Surgery procedures free of cost for eligible patients under this Free Transplant and Dialysis support system.
- Lahore General Hospital, Lahore
Contact Number: +92 42 111 123 456
Known for handling a wide range of transplants and offering continuous care. - Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad
Contact Number: +92 51 920 5252
A leading Medical Sciences Institute that supports bone marrow and liver transplants. - Children’s Hospital, Lahore
Contact Number: +92 42 9923 0901
Specializes in children’s bone marrow transplants and life-saving surgeries. - Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore
Contact Number: +92 42 3586 5701
Well-equipped for handling complex cases including kidney and liver transplants. - Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Lahore
Contact Number: +92 42 9920 3051
Focuses on Heart Surgery under the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Treatment Institute umbrella — a 915-bed hospital for advanced treatment. - Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
Contact Number: +92 21 111 911 911
A well-known private hospital, expected to fully join the program post-May. - Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Contact Number: +92 91 921 0732
A major center supporting transplants in Peshawar, committed to expanding regional access. - For the full list, visit phota.punjab.gov.pk for regular updates.
How the Program Works
The CM Punjab Transplant Program 2025 has been designed with a simple and transparent process to ensure every patient receives timely support. As someone who works in patient care coordination, I can confirm how well-organized this system has become, especially for those needing urgent organ transplants.
- Registration is done through PHOTA either online or in person.
- Donor matching is based on a centralized database to ensure ethical allocation.
- Surgery is performed by top specialists at accredited hospitals.
- Post-operative care includes one year of free medication and follow-ups.
- Tracking your application status is easy at phota.punjab.gov.pk using your CNIC and reference number.
Benefits of the Program
This free treatment program has given hope to many families, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Covers surgery, hospital stay, and post-operative care, valued at around PKR 4.2 million per bone marrow transplant.
- Available in both public and private hospitals across Punjab.
- Restores vision, hearing, or organ function, giving patients a chance at normal life.
- Ensures fair donor matching and no financial burden for families.
Latest Updates (As of May 15, 2025)
With each passing month, the program is growing stronger and helping more patients.
- Officially launched on February 1, 2025.
- Registrations opened on March 1.
- 150 bone marrow transplants completed at Lahore Children’s Hospital, benefiting children from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and even Afghanistan.
- Helpline 0900-90800 is live for support and inquiries.
- More private hospitals will be added by June 2025 to increase capacity.
- Despite India-Pakistan tensions (May 7, 2025), the program remains fully operational, but patients in conflict zones should confirm access first.
Common Challenges and Practical Solutions
No program is without obstacles, but this one has solutions in place.
- Challenge: Limited organ availability
Solution: Expanded donor registry ensures ethical sourcing. - Challenge: Lack of awareness in rural areas
Solution: Community seminars and helpline 0900-90800 offer clear information. - Challenge: CNIC or document issues
Solution: Update CNIC at NADRA and visit PHOTA offices. - Challenge: Limited hospital capacity in rural districts
Solution: More hospitals will be added by June 2025.
Tips for Applicants
Applying correctly ensures your spot in the program. Here are key things to remember:
- Verify your CNIC and mobile SIM are linked via NADRA.
- Collect medical reports from a specialist confirming organ failure.
- Apply before May 31, 2025, via phota.punjab.gov.pk.
- Call 0900-90800 for help or to report issues.
- Always check hospital list and status updates on the official portal.
- Avoid unofficial agents – this program is 100% free.
Real Impact and What’s Ahead
By May 2025, the program has already saved lives, with 150 children receiving bone marrow transplants. I’ve personally seen the relief on parents’ faces, knowing their child got a second chance.
- Plans to expand into more hospitals by June 2025.
- Aims to increase donor registrations for faster matching.
- Will integrate with the Maryam Nawaz Health Card to offer broader healthcare coverage.
- Awareness campaigns will continue to boost rural participation.
FAQs about the CM Punjab Transplant Scheme
Who is eligible for the CM Punjab Organ Transplant Initiative 2025?
Patients diagnosed with end-stage organ failure (including kidney, liver, cornea, bone marrow, or hearing impairment) who cannot afford treatment are eligible. To qualify, they must also be registered with the Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA).
How can I apply for the CM program?
You can apply by visiting the official PHOTA portal at phota.punjab.gov.pk. Create an account, submit your CNIC, medical reports, income proof, and a doctor’s recommendation letter. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS or email once your application is submitted.
How long does the approval process take?
Once all required documents are submitted, PHOTA takes 7 to 14 days to verify your medical and eligibility details. In some cases, in-person verification at a PHOTA office or hospital may be required.
Who is eligible for the CM Punjab Transplant Program?
Eligibility includes Punjab residents suffering from end-stage organ failure who are financially unable to afford treatment. Registration with PHOTA is mandatory.
How can I register for the transplant program?
You can register online via phota.punjab.gov.pk or visit a designated PHOTA office or hospital. Ensure your documents (CNIC, medical reports, income proof) are ready and accurate for submission.
Does the program cover post-transplant care?
Yes, the CM Transplant Program includes one year of free post-transplant medication and follow-up care after surgery.
How can I get more information about the program?
For more information, visit the official website www.phimc.punjab.gov.pk or call the helpline at 0900-90800.
Which hospitals are part of the transplant program?
Major public and private hospitals across Punjab, including Lahore General Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, PIC, PIMS Islamabad, Aga Khan University Hospital, and Khyber Teaching Hospital, are part of the program. Visit the official PHOTA portal for the latest updated list.
