KARACHI:
Cancer is becoming a very serious problem in South Punjab, especially in areas like Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa Sharif, Rajanpur and nearby districts. Every year, the number of cancer patients is increasing, but sadly there is still no proper cancer hospital in this region. Because of this, poor people suffer a lot.
I have personally seen this pain in my own family. My mother was also suffering from cancer. By the blessings of Allah, she is now recovering. But during this difficult time, we understood how hard cancer treatment can be for families living in South Punjab. Travelling again and again to big cities for treatment is very tiring, expensive and stressful. If one family with some resources faces so many difficulties, then what about those who cannot even afford daily travel expenses, exorbitant hospital charges, medicines, tests and accommodation in other cities? Many patients from villages and remote areas leave their treatment in the middle because they simply cannot bear the cost. Some even lose their lives because proper treatment is too far away.
According to the recent studies cancer cases are increasing in DG Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur and nearby areas. Breast cancer, blood cancer, liver cancer and throat cancer are becoming common diseases in this region. Most villages do not even have proper cancer testing centres or specialist doctors. Patients often find out about the disease very late, when treatment becomes more difficult and costly.
The government must take serious action and establish a fully equipped cancer hospital to take of patients in the region so poor patients can receive treatment with dignity and hope.
Malik Muhammad Shahwaiz
Dera Ghazi Khan
