ISLAMABAD:The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a Swiss firm for provision of free treatment to cancer patients in the capital.

The signing ceremony was held in the ministry and attended by Health Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Director General Health Dr Mohammad Ahmad Kazi, Swiss Company Roche’s representative Adriano Treve, the company’s MD, Hafsa Shamsie, and Swiss Ambassador Georg Steiner.

The health secretary emphasised the crucial role of public-private partnerships in healthcare, recognising the complexities of cancer, such as affordability, awareness, stigma and sustainable treatment options.

He expressed gratitude for entities like Roche, acknowledging their role as private healthcare innovators that complement public institutions. He also stressed on the importance of funding a proposal for ensuring financial sustainability and comprehensive treatment for deserving cancer patients.

DG Health Dr Mohammad Ahmad Kazi highlighted the increasing cancer incidence in the country, placing a significant burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system. He emphasised the government’s challenge to provide adequate, affordable and accessible cancer care.

Affordability, he added, remained a major hurdle for Pakistan, and poor awareness of symptoms and treatments, along with risk factors and limited early detection, had led to a concerning rise in cancer cases and mortality.

Many individuals, he explained, were diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment more challenging and reducing survival rates.

Swiss Ambassador Georg Steiner emphasised Switzerland’s significance as a trading partner with Swiss giants like Roche operating in Pakistan and praised the breakthrough cancer treatment initiative for its collaborative and knowledge-sharing efforts.

Adriano Treve commended Pakistan’s collaboration with Roche and noted the company’s commitment to doubling innovative therapy access in low and lower-middle-income countries by 2026.

Hafsa Shamsie said the company had served thousands through innovative medicines and expressed gratitude to the government for its support and progressive vision in collaborating on cancer treatment.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2023