The Ministry for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) is planning to construct first cancer hospital in the federal capital to cater needs for cancer patients within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad Capital Territory, reliably learnt. Details revealed that the PC-I of the 500-bed cancer hospital has already been approved with the estimated cost of Rs 21 billion.
Secretary Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Co-ordination, Muhammad Ayub Sheikh has reportedly said the objective is to facilitate and ensure that the fundamental rights of the people are protected. Unfortunately the number of cancer patients has been increasing for the last several years, he said, adding that every year around 150,000 new cancer cases are reported from across the country and around eight percent of them die every year, which could be countered by spreading awareness among people.
The use of tobacco is the major reason for cancer so the ministry has been trying to reduce the tobacco use through legislation and punishments. Genetic and environmental factors such as polluted food, radiations and infections are also causing cancer, he added.
Previously, cancer patients were getting treatment in private hospitals under the Prime Minister's National Health Programme. The health secretary said the ministry has taken a number of steps against factors causing or contributing towards spreading of the disease.
He said tobacco advertisement has been totally banned while import, sale and use of `sheesha' has also been restricted to keep the youth safe from harmful effects of tobacco.
It is reported that in the past, monthly medicine of a Hepatitis B or C patient cost almost Rs 2.7 million, which has now been reduced to Rs 5,800 due to the endeavours of the ministry. Managing Director Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM), Abid Waheed Sheikh said the PBM has provided medical assistance to 44,000 cancer patients during the last 3 years.
Unfortunately the cancer patients approach hospitals when their disease has attained stage 3 or 4 and that is the reason why 62 to 70 percent of them do not survive, he said.
He said citizens should help create awareness about cancer, as diagnosis of the disease at an early stage can be treated.
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