PESHAWAR, Dec 13: An increasing number of patients, coupled with a severe shortage of doctors, is affecting the performance of the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (Irnum) even though it is equipped with latest treatment and diagnostic facilities.

Irnum Director Dr Mohammed Ayub Khan told this correspondent that the institute was required to cater to the needs of 40 million people in the NWFP, besides the Afghan refugees.

A subsidiary of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the 70-bed cancer institute has been providing treatment and diagnostic facilities to the patients since its establishment in 1975.

Dr Khan said funds provided by Baitul Maal and Zakat Department were utilised for providing of treatment facilities to the patients visiting Irnum. However, he pointed out, these funds fell terribly short.

He said a cancer hospital located in Abbottabad was unable to curtail the burden on Irnum.

Given the increasing number of patients at Irnum, the PAEC had planned the construction of cancer hospitals in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Swat districts, he added.

Dr Khan said only 15 doctors were currently serving the hospital, and stressed the need for offering incentives to doctors so as to lure them to the institute. He also complained of the shortage of medical and paramedical staff to provide quality service to the patients suffering from different ailments.

According to a radiotherapist, private hospitals only offer treatment facilities to curable patients whereas Irnum treats each and every patient visiting the institute.