All-women breast radiation bay construction starts

Segregated facility at JPMC will serve up to 250 patients daily from Feb 2026

KARACHI:

The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), in a major step towards enhancing cancer care for women in Pakistan, has started the construction of the state-of-the-art "Bilquis Abdul Sattar Edhi Breast Radiation Bay", a facility aimed at providing international standard radiation therapy exclusively for female breast cancer patients, operated entirely by an all-women medical staff.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, JPMC Executive Director, Professor Shahid Rasool, revealed that the facility is aimed at addressing both the medical and emotional needs of women suffering with breast cancer. The new radiation bay is expected to cater to 200 to 250 patients, daily, upon completion.

The facility is to be equipped with two cutting-edge Helix Tomotherapy machines, which are capable of automatically adjusting during minor patient movements, ensuring precision by targeting only cancer-affected cells. This feature is especially critical during the hour-long radiation sessions when patients may inadvertently move. The new facility will use some of the most advanced global technology in cancer treatment

Professor Rasool highlighted that traditional radiation therapy, particularly for left-side breast cancer, poses risks to the heart. The new machines will employ Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) technology, allowing radiation to be delivered while the patient holds a deep breath, increasing the distance between the heart and breast tissue, thereby reducing cardiac risk.

Notably, the entire facility staff will be women, providing emotional and psychological comfort to patients who often undergo not only physical pain, but also intense mental stress and feelings of shame and inferiority due to the nature of their illness. "Hearing the word 'cancer' is devastating enough," Rasool noted, "but for many women, the treatment process brings feelings of vulnerability and embarrassment. Having female staff can offer some much-needed dignity and support."

The facility is expected to be operational by January-February 2026.