PM inaugurates new cancer institute in AJK

ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday praised the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s (PAEC) contributions to the health sector, calling the provision of state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities the “biggest service to humanity”.
The premier was addressing an inaugural ceremony of Kashmir Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiology (KINOR) in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said there was no nobler calling than serving patients at their doorsteps, noting that cancer sufferers from Muzaffarabad and other remote areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir previously had to travel to Islamabad for treatment.
In remarks broadcast live on national television, the premier commended PAEC and other relevant authorities, urging them to remain mindful of the pain and suffering of patients who lack the resources to afford treatment for life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Citing his personal experience as a cancer survivor, Shehbaz highlighted the high cost of treatment, urging authorities to consider the hardships of patients from remote areas who travel to major cities and struggle to afford care.
Lauding PAEC’s services, he urged further efforts to combat the disease, emphasizing the importance of bringing “a smile and a ray of hope” to cancer patients.
AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, ministers, parliamentarians and health experts attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar highlighted the Commission’s contributions in the health sector. 
He said the 20 cancer treatment centers established with PAEC’s support handle 80 per cent of the country’s cancer patient load.
He said that through awareness, screening, and diagnosis, PAEC was providing advanced facilities and care, adding that KINOR would be the 21st center in the country, offering modern, high-quality healthcare to AJK residents close to their homes under the supervision of PAEC oncology experts.  Nearly 60 per cent of patients arrive at advanced stages, highlighting the urgent need for early screening, awareness, and timely diagnosis.
He added that nearly 1,000 new cancer patients from AJK travel each year to PAEC hospitals in other provinces for treatment, facing long distances and financial hardships.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneOur CorrespondentRead More