Around 250,000 people suffer from cancer every year in Pakistan, while only 25 institutions across the country extend cancer treatment where 45-50 Clinical Oncologists and 10-12 medical oncologists remain involved on projects concerning cancer patients.

This was stated at a symposium organised by Cancer Research Group (CRG) Here recently.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed was the Chief Guest while Professor Dr Sheharyar, Dr Ehsan-ur-Rehman, and Dr Ibrar Ahmad Javed addressed the seminar. Dr Tahir Javed said that the government is working on a comprehensive strategy to provide basic and effective health facilities to people.

The government is providing maximum funds for treatment and research of various serious diseases including cancer. UNICEF, WHO and other international donors agencies are extending all-out co-operation in this regard, he added.

The minister assured that the government will provide better research facilities to young doctors for the effective treatment of cancer. Research registrars will be appointed in concerned hospitals so that they could apprise the doctors about latest research in treatment of cancer, he said. He added that co-operation from donor agencies will be obtained for providing modern facilities in teaching hospitals for the treatment of cancer patients.

Other speakers highlighted difficulties being faced by health professionals in the treatment of cancer patients.

They asked the government to provide latest equipment in teaching hospitals for proper treatment of cancer patients.

- (Business Recorder)