- Pakistan is opening its first dedicated breast cancer hospital, the Pink Ribbon Hospital, as a significant milestone in the fight against breast cancer, offering free services to improve early detection and treatment.
- The hospital’s establishment has been a resilient effort, with state-of-the-art facilities including mammogram and ultrasound machines, surgery theaters, and chemotherapy units.
- Pink Ribbon Pakistan, spearheading the project, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and reducing breast cancer mortality rates in Pakistan, with plans to expand their impact to other regions. Urgent action is needed to address the high mortality rate and increase access to healthcare.
Pakistan is on the verge of a significant milestone in the fight against breast cancer. On January 31st, Lahore will witness the grand opening of the nation’s inaugural breast cancer hospital.
This dedicated healthcare facility, which is expected to be fully operational in early 2024, is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The Pink Ribbon Hospital, spearheaded by Pink Ribbon Pakistan, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, will offer a range of crucial services at no cost to the public.
This initiative underscores the significance of early detection in improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. The hospital’s offerings will include free mammograms, ultrasounds, and chemotherapy services.
A Journey of Resilience and Support
The journey to establish this pioneering hospital has been marked by resilience and community support. Omer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, revealed that the project’s development began five years ago and faced numerous challenges, including fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government import bans. Despite these hurdles, thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the project is nearing completion.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Pink Ribbon Hospital will boast state-of-the-art facilities designed to aid in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The hospital is set to be equipped with one mammogram machine, two ultrasound machines, two operating theatres, and 14 chemotherapy treatment units. These resources will ensure that patients receive the care they require promptly and effectively.
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A Legacy of Breast Cancer Awareness
Reflecting on the 20-year journey of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, Omer Aftab emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in raising breast cancer awareness and reducing mortality rates. The organization’s efforts have encouraged women, even in rural areas, to seek early detection check-ups for breast cancer. Their commitment to this cause has contributed significantly to the progress being made in Pakistan today.
Expanding the Reach and Impact
Pink Ribbon Pakistan does not stop at Lahore, the organization is actively engaged in discussions with the Sindh government to establish a breast cancer hospital in Karachi through a public-private partnership. This expansion underscores the commitment to improving breast cancer care and awareness across the nation.
Urgent Need for Action
Mehnaz Nadeem, Chairperson of the Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi Chapter, expressed the urgency of addressing breast cancer in Pakistan.
With 109 women losing their lives every 24 hours to this disease and 90,000 new cases reported annually, the need for action is evident. She stressed the organization’s focus on reducing breast cancer-related mortality and raising awareness about treatment options among the population.
Call for Support and Early Detection
Nadeem urged donors and sponsors to stand alongside Pink Ribbon Pakistan in providing underprivileged women nationwide with high-quality and free access to healthcare. Emphasizing that breast cancer is a fully curable disease, she appealed for support in the mission to make early detection and treatment readily available to all those in need.
Cultural Enrichment and Celebration
The fundraising event concluded with a captivating qawwali performance by Hamza Akram Qawwal and the ensemble, who entertained the audience with a rendition of ‘Man Kunto Maula’ by Amir Khusrau. This cultural enrichment highlighted the unity and collective effort in the battle against breast cancer in Pakistan.
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