KARACHI: A newly-established breast cancer ward at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) was inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho on Monday afternoon.

At the ceremony, Minister Dr Pechuho was informed that the SIUT initiative was taken in the light of growing incidence of breast cancer in Pakistan.

The country, it was pointed out, had one of the highest rates of prevalence in Asia and it was estimated that one woman among nine suffered from the ailment in Pakistan.

“It was in this backdrop the SIUT took the step and initially set up a unit in 2017 with an aim to provide multidisciplinary services and extend treatment,” said Dr Bushra Sheerazi, in-charge of the newly established ward, who gave a detailed presentation on breast cancer at the event.

Sharing these concerns, the minister in her speech said the stats on the prevalence of breast cancer in the country were an eye-opener, while assuring the SIUT team of full cooperation from the government in their efforts.

She greatly appreciated the SIUT for its dedicated services over the past four decades and described SIUT director Dr Adib Rizvi as an iconic figure of the country.

Earlier, Prof Rizvi spoke about the institute’s transformation and achievements. The SIUT, he said, now planned to enhance its services, including outdoor patient and genetic testing facilities.

Later, the minister accompanied by the SIUT team went round various sections of the ward and inquired about the facilities.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2020