The Edhi Foundation has generously contributed $4 million to Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for the procurement of advanced breast cancer treatment equipment. This initiative will establish the Bilquis & Abdul Sattar Edhi-Breast Radiation Bay, set to commence operations in April 2026.
The facility will be jointly managed by the Patients Aid Foundation (PAF) and the Sindh government. It aims to provide free daily treatment to approximately 160 breast cancer patients using state-of-the-art Helix Tomotherapy units. These units offer precise lesion targeting while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, notably the heart.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in Pakistan, with an estimated 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Although surgical and chemotherapy services are widely accessible, radiation therapy slots are limited due to a scarcity of linear accelerators nationwide. The introduction of Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) and Deep Inhalation Breath Hold (DIBH) technologies at JPMC marks a significant advancement, as these methods reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to vital organs.
The Sindh government has committed to funding the maintenance of this equipment post-warranty, ensuring the facility’s sustained operation. This collaboration underscores a robust public-private partnership model, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in the region.
Notably, JPMC’s Radiation Oncology department distinguishes itself globally by offering cutting-edge cancer treatments entirely free of charge, serving patients from 167 Pakistani cities and 15 countries, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity.
