KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday inaugurated a cancer centre and a girls’ hostel at Dow University’s Ojha campus.

Equipped with state-of-the-art departments of radiation oncology, medical oncology and nuclear medicine using theranostics (a technique that combines uses radioactive drugs and imaging to target and destroy cancer cells), the Dow Comprehensive Cancer Centre is built at a cost of Rs6.4 billion. It also features advanced research and teaching facilities.

The CM also announced the installation of three additional machines worth Rs2bn to enhance the facility’s services.

He expressed satisfaction with the healthcare facilities being provided by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and assured continued funding for health-related initiatives, including the cancer centre.

CM promises full financial support to project to ensure maximum benefit to people

“It’s a historic day. This centre, a beacon of hope for families fighting cancer, is set to transform cancer care in the province,” the chief minister said while announcing the installation of three more advanced machines at the facility.

He appealed to philanthropists and the private sector to step forward and support the noble cause, highlighting that the path to this milestone began with establishing Pakistan’s first public sector Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Unit in 2021.

“Within a short time span, the dream has been materialised. This achievement is a testament to what can be achieved when leadership, expertise, and vision come together,” he stated, while paying tribute to DUHS Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Saeed Quraishy and his team.

The chief minister noted that Dow University received the highest number of patient requests for cancer treatment, which highlighted the trust and demand for its high-quality healthcare services.

“The new facility is not merely a medical institution but a symbol of hope, innovation, and resilience. It also signifies our commitment to making world-class healthcare available to all, especially the underserved,” Mr Murad said.

The government would provide full financial support for this expansion to ensure maximum benefit for the public, he added.

Earlier, Prof Quraishy recalled how the university had developed in recent years, which included the establishment of a transplant centre in collaboration with the University of Chicago, a state-of-the-art BSL-3 laboratory and the launch of advanced ophthalmology services.

He also highlighted the prominent role played by DUHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the swift establishment of the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital at NIPA.

Pro-VC Prof Nazli Hussain and Prof Jehan Ara Hassan also spoke.

Professor Jehan Ara concluded the event by thanking the chief minister and other dignitaries for their presence. A documentary showcasing the state-of-the-art facilities at the cancer centre was also presented, receiving an enthusiastic response and applause from the audience.

As the ceremony concluded, the chief minister officially declared the centre open, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in the ongoing mission to ensure a healthier and brighter future for the people.

According to officials, the Dow cancer centre is the only facility of its kind in Pakistan offering all diagnostic and treatment services under one roof through advanced nuclear medicine, including the MR Linac radiation therapy and cyclotron technologies.

The attendees included Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission Dr Tariq Rafi, Sindh health secretary Rehan Baloch and secretary universities and boards Abbas Baloch.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025