How to Get Cancer Treatment at Shaukat Khanum in Pakistan: Walk-in Clinics and Free Care

To be assessed for cancer treatment at Shaukat Khanum, go to one of its three walk-in clinics (Lahore, Peshawar or Karachi) with your original CNIC, B-form or passport and your treatment history. The hospital says over 75% of its cancer patients are treated entirely free. Support is decided after a one-time financial assessment.

A cancer diagnosis often starts a second worry: who will pay. This guide explains the route the hospital describes on its own website, step by step. We read the hospital's patient pages on 8 October 2026. We did not visit a clinic, so we cannot tell you how long the wait is on a given day.

Check the four acceptance conditions first

The hospital accepts patients whose cancer can be treated with curative intent, who can physically withstand treatment, who have not been treated for cancer elsewhere, and where the hospital has capacity. A patient who does not meet these cannot be accepted, whatever their income.

"Curative intent" means the aim of treatment is to cure the cancer. The "not treated elsewhere" condition matters most for families who have already started treatment. If that is your case, call the hospital before travelling and ask what it means for you. We could not find an appeals process on the page.

Go to a walk-in clinic with original documents

New patients go to a walk-in clinic in Lahore, Peshawar or Karachi. Bring your original government ID (national identity card, B-form or passport) and your treatment history. Tokens are issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Photocopies are not what the hospital asks for. It asks for originals. Treatment history means reports, scans, biopsy results and prescriptions you already have. Put them in one folder in date order.

The clinics are closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Karachi clinic is also closed on Saturdays. Phone numbers: Lahore +92 42 3590 5000 extension 8888, Peshawar +92 91 588 5000 extensions 5623 or 3781, Karachi (042) 3590 5000. The main toll-free line is 0800 11555.

Expect one financial assessment, then a support level

After a patient is accepted, the hospital's Financial Support Services does a one-time financial assessment. The support level depends on your financial position and can go up to 100%. The hospital states that over 75% of its cancer patients are treated entirely free.

That 75% figure is the hospital's own statement about its patients as a group. It is not a promise about your case. Do not sell property or take a loan for treatment before the assessment is done. Ask the assessor to tell you in writing what is covered.

1. Collect your original ID and all medical papers in one folder.
2. Call the clinic in your city and confirm the day and token time.
3. Reach the walk-in clinic early and take a token.
4. If accepted, attend the financial assessment.
5. Ask what the support covers and get it in writing.
6. Book follow-up visits through the hospital's outpatient line.

Book outpatient visits by phone, email or WhatsApp

For regular outpatient visits the hospital takes appointments by phone, email, WhatsApp or an online form. Lahore: +92 42 35905000, outpatient@skm.org.pk, WhatsApp +92 301 1185430. Peshawar: opdcmi.pesh@skm.org.pk. Karachi: kdcmanager@skm.org.pk.

Two pages on the hospital's site gave different clinic hours. One said Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Another said Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with Karachi closing earlier. The Peshawar extension also appeared as 3781 on one page and 3762 on another. Reports differ, so confirm both by phone.

Use screening, Sehat Card and other help alongside

Shaukat Khanum treats cancer. It is not the only door. A free check can find a lump early, and a health card may cover other costs. Use them together with the hospital's own assessment, not instead of it.

For breast cancer, read our guide to a free breast cancer check in Pakistan. For children, see the report on free childhood cancer medicines in four hospitals. If you hold a health card, check what the Sehat Card covers now. Other charity hospitals are listed in the guide to free treatment at Indus Hospital.

Cancer medicines have also been faked in Pakistan. After you start treatment, buy only from licensed pharmacies. Our guide to checking a medicine is registered with DRAP shows how.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm waiting times, how many patients are accepted, or any appeal if you are refused. We could not open the hospital's page on what documents a walk-in clinic needs beyond ID and history, so call before you travel. This guide is not medical advice. A doctor must decide your treatment.

Common questions about Shaukat Khanum treatment

Is cancer treatment at Shaukat Khanum free?

For many patients, yes. The hospital says over 75% of its cancer patients are treated entirely free. Each patient gets a one-time financial assessment, and support can go up to 100%.

Do I need an appointment for the walk-in clinic?

The hospital describes a token system, with tokens issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. It does not say you need a prior appointment. Call your city's clinic to confirm.

What documents do I bring?

Original government ID (national identity card, B-form or passport) and your treatment history, such as reports and scans.

Can I go if I already had chemotherapy elsewhere?

The hospital says it accepts patients who have not been treated for cancer elsewhere. If you have started treatment, call and ask before you travel.

Does the hospital treat every cancer patient?

No. It lists conditions: curative intent, fitness for treatment, no earlier treatment elsewhere, and capacity. Patients who do not meet them cannot be accepted.

Last checked 8 October 2026 on the hospital's patient, financial assistance, walk-in clinic and appointment pages at shaukatkhanum.org.pk.