Press Release
‘We Can I Can’, World Cancer Day observed at AECH NORI
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry appreciates the role of Atomic Energy cancer Hospitals in cancer control
Islamabad February 4: “Measures should be taken to prevent cancer and to detect it at an early stage” said Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister of State for CADD, while addressing as chief guest in a public awareness seminar on the occasion of World Cancer Day organized at Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital NORI. He further said that the Government is committed to uplift the health care and provide the best possible treatment facilities to all patients. The number of cancer cases is expected to increase by 70% in next 20 years thus necessitating the need to devise and implement national cancer prevention policy on an urgent basis. He appreciated the fact that through its Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals all over the country, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is lessening the miseries of more than 80% of cancer patients irrespective of age, financial status of patients and stage of the disease. He promised to help NORI in its expansion and upgradation. He admired the services of Oncology department of NORI in cancer awareness and treatment and stressed that media should enhance its role in creating cancer awareness.
Member Science PAEC Dr. S.M Javed Akhtar highlighted the role of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission in the fight against cancer. He said PAEC through its 18 dedicated cancer hospitals spread in all the four provinces of Pakistan is engaged in providing diagnostic and treatment facilities. PAEC takes pride in treating a large majority of suffering humanity not only from Pakistan but also from other countries. Besides providing treatment to already diagnosed patients, our hospitals are also offering screening services for early detection of the disease and hence timely treatment which is prerequisite for cancer control.
Keeping up the tradition, Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) NORI Islamabad organized public awareness seminar on World Cancer Day to alleviate myths and misconceptions about cancer and to persuade masses for early diagnosis if prevention fails. The event was attended by a large number of participants from different walks of life including dignitaries, teachers, students, nurses, paramedical staff, patients and their relatives. Federal Secretary Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHS&RC) Mohammad Ayub Sheikh was the guest of honor. He congratulated Director AECH NORI and organizers of the event for putting up such an informative and successful program for the awareness of general public and such activities should continue throughout the year.
Chairman Pakistan Green Task Force Dr Jamal Nasir, Chairman Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh graced the occasion by their presence.
Earlier Dr Humera Mahmood, Head Oncology announced the launching of Cancer Patient Support Group from the platform of Oncology Department of NORI. The group led by cancer survivors treated at NORI will help patients share their feelings and experiences and discuss their apprehensions in a friendly atmosphere thus leading to reduction in cancer related stress and anxiety. This group will be the first of its kind in Pakistan.
In his welcome address, Director NORI Dr. Mohammad Faheem briefed the participants about the services provided at the hospital. All Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals are equipped with vast array of sophisticated and state of art medical and laboratory equipment. The services provided by NORI are matchable with those of any well reputed International Hospital. In his awareness lecture he stressed that one third of cancers can be prevented by quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.