The Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN), a constituent institution of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and PEBS Hospital have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance existing collaboration in the free surgical management of Oral Cancer and Breast Cancer. These are the most common cancers affecting Pakistani men and women, respectively.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday by Dr. Asghar H. Asghar, Director of KIRAN, and Dr. Jehanzeb Mughal, Head of the Cancer Surgery Unit at PEBS Hospital. The ceremony was presided over virtually from Islamabad by Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rufi, Member (Science), PAEC, and Dr. Shazia Fatima, Director General Nuclear Medicine & Oncology, PAEC, underscoring PAEC’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality cancer care across the country.
Delegation and Facilitation
A delegation of Maxillofacial and Breast Surgeons from PEBS Hospital, led by Qazi Sajid Ali, President of the Pakistan Eye Bank Society (PEBS), visited KIRAN for the signing. The process was facilitated by Shehzad Hasan, Member (Finance), PAEC, and Mohsin Fayyaz, Member (Power), PAEC.
This collaboration aims to strengthen cancer care services in Pakistan by providing free surgical treatment for oral and breast cancers. According to the statement, the MoU will enhance an existing partnership, allowing for more streamlined patient referrals and joint surgical camps.
Impact on Cancer Care
Oral cancer is the most common cancer among men in Pakistan, while breast cancer is the most prevalent among women. The MoU is expected to significantly increase access to free surgical management for these patients, many of whom cannot afford treatment. KIRAN, with its radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities, will complement PEBS Hospital’s surgical expertise.
The virtual presence of senior PAEC officials highlights the organization’s dedication to improving cancer care infrastructure. Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rufi emphasized PAEC’s role in supporting such initiatives to reduce the burden of cancer in the country.
