The hospital will provide free services from diagnosis to final treatment and will be equipped with modern facilities, including proton beam therapy - Photo Express
Pakistan to Have Its First ‘Proton Therapy’ Cancer Hospital
By Suhail Yusuf
Karachi: In a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionise cancer care in Pakistan, local NGOs have announced their plan to establish the country’s first proton therapy-based cancer hospital in Karachi, which will provide free diagnostics and treatment to underprivileged patients.
A formal announcement about the hospital, named “JDC Shamim Sheikhani Free Cancer Hospital," was made last Thursday at the Governor House Karachi, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the JDC Foundation, the Sheikhani Foundation, and Allmed Solutions.
The hospital will provide free services from diagnosis to final treatment, and will be equipped with modern facilities, including proton beam therapy. The hospital will also provide accommodation for patients arriving from remote parts of Sindh.
Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment that uses protons to target tumors directly with sub-millimeter accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and potentially reducing side effects.
The hospital will be located near the Numaish Chowrangi area, and 20 acres of land are being negotiated for the 400-bed facility.
Governor Kamran Tessori commended the efforts of JDC and Zafar Abbas, hailing Abbas as a "One Man Army" in social service endeavours. He pledged his full support and assistance to the initiative, emphasising Abbas's track record of humanitarian service.
"Abbas, along with Ali Sheikhani, is pioneering the establishment of Pakistan's first state-of-the-art free cancer hospital, utilising proton beam therapy for the treatment of various cancers. I assure him of my unwavering support," declared the governor.
Zafar Abbas, the Secretary General of JDC, underscored the critical need for accessible cancer diagnostics and treatment, particularly for those who are unable to afford the exorbitant costs associated with healthcare. He highlighted the financial burden faced by many, citing the example of mammograms costing hundreds of thousands of rupees.
The proposed "JDC Shamim Sheikhani Free Cancer Hospital" aims to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive services from diagnosis to final treatment, entirely free of charge.
Proton therapy, known for its precision and minimal impact on healthy tissue, offers fresh hope for cancer patients, particularly children who often experience mild responses to traditional radiotherapy. The technology represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering promising outcomes for patients across the country. - The Express Tribune
