A medical revolution is underway in Punjab. Mayo Hospital, one of South Asia’s oldest and largest medical institutions, has become the region’s first to introduce China’s cutting-edge Co-ablation cancer treatment technology, ushering in a new era of minimally invasive oncology care. The breakthrough comes as a direct result of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s recent study tour to China.

During her visit to Hygea Medical Equipment Company, she observed firsthand the Co-ablation technique—a method that freezes tumors at –180°C using liquid nitrogen, followed by controlled heating up to 80°C to destroy malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Friday.

“I was deeply inspired by the innovation I witnessed in China,” Maryam recalled at the inauguration ceremony.

“Alhamdulillah, today Punjab has become the first in South Asia to introduce this life-saving treatment. Within just 60 minutes, without surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, cancer patients are walking back to their families with hope.”

First patients treated successfully
Doctors at Mayo Hospital, who underwent specialized training in China, carried out the first-ever procedures on Thursday. Five patients were successfully treated and declared cancer-free. Co-ablation is a minimally invasive technique that requires only 60–120 minutes. Patients typically regain mobility within hours.

Each treatment costs around 1.6 million rupees, but experts say it significantly reduces the burden of prolonged hospitalization, side effects of chemotherapy, and long recovery periods associated with traditional methods. Senior radiologist Dr. Shehzad Kareem Bhatti, who briefed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at Mayo Hospital, said “The machine targets liver, lung, and breast cancers in their early stages. Its precision and safety profile make it a groundbreaking addition to cancer care.”

Expanding Chinese technology in Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that additional machines have already been ordered; one for Nishter Hospital in Multan, another for a Rawalpindi facility, and three for Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. She also directed the creation of a specialized pool of doctors and paramedics, the hiring of master trainers, and structured collaborations with Chinese experts to expand the scope of advanced medical technologies in Punjab.

“My visit to China was more than symbolic; it was about learning and adopting what has made China so successful in health innovation,” she said. “This is only the beginning. We plan to bring more Chinese technologies to Punjab’s hospitals.” By adopting Co-ablation, Punjab not only takes the lead in South Asia’s cancer treatment landscape but also reinforces the broader vision of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a partnership extending beyond infrastructure and energy into health and human development.

“This is not just a machine,” Chief Minister Maryam stated. “It is a new hope for thousands of families across Pakistan who fear cancer.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China