Karachi: Within the period of a year, Dow Cancer Center has become a focal point for the convenience of patients from within the country and abroad. Throughout the year, 78.33 patients were treated from Karachi, 19.65 from all over the country, and 0.27 from abroad, while nearly 2,000 patients received treatment in the OPD (Outpatient Department). These remarks were made by Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Vice-Chancellor, Dow University of Health Sciences, during the ceremony marking the completion of one year of Dow Cancer Center at the Ojha Campus. During the ceremony, Medical Superintendent Dr. Jahan Ara Hassan, Dr. Zahid Azam, Dr. Kashif Shafique, Dr. Naveed Ali Khan, Dr. Nasreen Naz, and Dr. Maryam also addressed the audience, while two women beneficiaries from the Cancer Center also praised the facilities provided during their treatment. The university administration was also thanked for their contributions.
Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy stated that affordable facilities, including chemotherapy for cancer treatment, are being offered at Dow Cancer Center. He mentioned that the establishment of Dow Cancer Center a year ago was a significant step, even in the face of adversity. Dr. Jahan Ara, the Medical Superintendent of Dow University Hospital, emphasized that Dow Cancer Center has made special arrangements for the treatment of all types of cancer, which has led to a rapid increase in patient influx. She informed that during the past five years, 250 surgeries were performed at Gynae & Obs.
Dr. Zahid Azam, the Director of the National Institute of Liver and Gastroenterology Diseases, mentioned that the Cancer Center, which started with two beds, has now expanded to accommodate 10 beds. This serves as an example for our postgraduate trainees, encouraging them to establish new departments to enhance patient care. Head of Cancer Centre Dr. Maryam mentioned that 40% of the cancer patients coming to the Oncology Center are breast cancer patients, and treatment has been provided for various other types, such as Sarcoma (6%), Head and Neck (5%), Endometrium (5%), Colorectal (9%), Upper GI (9%), Liver (4%), and Ovary (7%). Dr. Maryam also emphasized that the OPD rates at Dow Cancer Center are significantly lower, about 10 times less than other hospitals. Chemotherapy, pathology, radiology, surgical oncology—all these facilities are being provided under one roof at very reasonable rates. The cost of chemotherapy, often considered expensive, has been reduced by 30 to 50%.
After the ceremony, Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the completion of one year of Dow Cancer Center and also inspected the facilities. Shields and certificates were distributed at the end of the ceremony.
