SC order on breast cancer

CJP has expressed indignation at the absence of mammography and other tests in a majority of public hospitals

At a time when all types of cancer can be treated successfully and an increasingly sizable number of cancer patients survive, in our country, around 90,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and 40,000 of them die. Now an unfortunate reality has emerged that most government hospitals in the country lack treatment and detection facilities for the dreaded disease. The cost of tests and other things required for diagnosis of malignancy in private hospitals are terrifying, of course.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, has expressed indignation at the absence of mammography and other tests for early detection of breast cancer and treatment for the disease in a vast majority of public hospitals in the country, as the test and treatment facilities in private hospitals are beyond the reach of most women. Firstly, for patients and their families, the swanky exterior of private hospitals is distressing. Secondly, the treatment cost is prohibitive enough to keep them away from these infirmaries. The horrid situation is not limited to cancer treatment. There are no diagnostic and treatment facilities in government hospitals for other dangerous diseases like hepatitis either, though till recent past government hospitals provided tests and treatment for such ailments free of charge. This has left many poor patients to wait patiently either for divine help or for the end. Rabies vaccines too are not available in public hospitals either while dog-bite cases are on the rise. The situation is horrifying and perhaps cannot go worse.

Every year in October conscientious citizens launch a breast cancer awareness campaign for the entire month. But private individuals are hampered by lack of money and other resources in their endeavours for prevention of cancer. Now that a top court order is there, it is hoped that the relevant authorities will ensure that all government hospitals across the country are equipped with diagnostic and treatment facilities for breast cancer — which is threatening to assume epidemic proportions.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2021.

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