Pakistan to get its first ‘proton therapy’ cancer hospital

JDC-Sheikhani Foundation joint venture to provide free diagnostics and treatment to underprivileged patients

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.

The hospital, named "JDC Shamim Sheikhani Free Cancer Hospital", was announced on 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 residence for patients arriving from remote areas of Sindh.

Proton therapy is a precise form of radiation treatment that uses protons to target tumors directly with sub-millimeter accuracy, minimising 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 hospital.

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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 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.

Ali Sheikhani, CEO of the Sheikhani Foundation, shared a personal motivation behind the initiative, recounting the loss of his mother due to late-stage cancer diagnosis. The hospital, named in her honour, pledges to deliver state-of-the-art facilities, including proton therapy, with Sheikhani affirming his unwavering support for Abbas's vision.

The announcement also saw pledges of support from various quarters, with Ejaz Mirza, CCO of Allmed Solutions, committing to provide a free mammogram machine for the hospital. Mirza highlighted the significance of proton beam therapy, citing its superior efficacy compared to traditional radiotherapy, particularly in reducing the risk of cancer relapse.

Proton therapy, renowned for its precision and minimal impact on healthy tissue, offers new 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.