The Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) in Islamabad has introduced an important new technology called cyclotron. This machine, which cost Rs. 1.5 billion, will help produce a special material called Gallium 68 isotopes. These isotopes are used for an important test called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. PET scans are used to check how the organs and tissues in our body are working, and they are especially important for detecting cancer.
Before this, Gallium 68 isotopes were only available in Lahore, and patients from northern Pakistan had to travel long distances to get their scans. This was very difficult for many people, especially since the isotopes have a short life and cannot be moved around for long distances. Now, with this new cyclotron technology at NORI, patients in Islamabad and nearby areas can get these important scans without traveling far.
What is a Cyclotron and How Does it Help?
A cyclotron is a special machine that makes radioactive isotopes. These isotopes are used in different medical tests, like PET scans, to see how organs and tissues are working inside the body. The cyclotron at NORI can produce Gallium 68 isotopes, which are very important for detecting cancer. Before NORI had this technology, patients in the northern areas had to go all the way to Lahore for these tests, which was not easy.
Now that NORI has this cyclotron, patients within a 200-kilometer radius of Islamabad can get their PET scans locally, making it easier for them to get the medical care they need. This is a big improvement in cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Why is This Development Important?
For cancer patients, early diagnosis is very important. PET scans are one of the best ways to find cancer early because they help doctors see how the tissues in the body are behaving. However, before this cyclotron, only some people in Pakistan could get PET scans, and many people had to wait longer or travel far away to get their tests. With this new technology, more people in northern Pakistan can now access these important tests, which can save lives.
This new cyclotron will help Pakistan treat cancer patients more effectively. It will also make life-saving services available to people in areas that didn't have them before. The patients will no longer have to worry about traveling far for treatment.
NORI's Patient-Centered Approach
NORI has always been known for its commitment to patient care. Dr. Muhammad Faheem, the Director of NORI, spoke about how the hospital’s patient-centered approach makes it different from other hospitals. He highlighted that NORI has a no-refusal policy, meaning they don’t turn away any cancer patients. Whether the patients are rich or poor, NORI accepts them and ensures they get the treatment they need.
Thanks to this policy, NORI, along with its 19 other affiliated cancer hospitals, has been able to treat 80% of cancer patients in Pakistan. This is a huge achievement, as many hospitals turn away patients for various reasons, such as a lack of funds or resources.
Another important point is that NORI provides medicines at a 40% discount to in-patients. This makes cancer treatment more affordable for patients who may not have enough money to pay for expensive medicines. Dr. Faheem emphasized that NORI wants to make sure that all patients receive high-quality care, regardless of their financial situation.
The Role of NORI in Cancer Treatment
NORI was founded in 1983, and since then, it has grown to become one of the most important cancer treatment centers in Pakistan. Shahid Riaz Khan, the Director General of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, praised NORI for its work in helping cancer patients all over Pakistan. He also mentioned that many patients who were previously told by private hospitals that they couldn’t be treated have fully recovered after receiving care at NORI.
Dr. Shazia Fatima, the Director General of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Centre, explained that NORI is also involved in important projects like developing a cancer data registry, raising awareness about cancer, and training doctors from other countries. She also mentioned that 50% of Pakistan’s radiation oncologists work in Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) hospitals like NORI, making these hospitals very important in the country’s cancer care system.
Early Diagnosis Saves Lives
One of the most important things NORI focuses on is the early diagnosis of cancer. Dr. Fatima pointed out that when cancer is found early, it can be treated more easily, and the treatment will cost less. Early detection means that doctors can start treatment before the cancer has spread too much, which improves the chances of a successful recovery.
NORI is working hard to make sure that as many people as possible get checked early for cancer. This will help save lives and reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment.
Pakistan's Efforts to Produce Medicines Locally
Another important part of NORI’s work is the local production of medicines. The Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) produces important medicines for cancer patients, which saves the country a lot of money. PINSTECH saves about Rs. 350 million every year by producing these medicines locally instead of buying them from other countries.
This helps Pakistan reduce its spending on cancer treatments and allows the country to use that money for other important things. It is also a way to make sure that cancer patients in Pakistan have access to the medicine they need without relying on foreign imports.
Recognition for NORI’s Work
In 2023, NORI received recognition from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which called NORI a “Ray of Hope” for cancer patients. This recognition was given because of the hard work NORI has done to improve cancer treatment and diagnosis in Pakistan.
Success Story: Mohammad Zia
A great example of NORI’s impact is the success story of Mohammad Zia, a 54-year-old cancer survivor. Zia had been misdiagnosed by other hospitals and was told that his cancer was untreatable. However, when he came to NORI, he received the correct diagnosis and began treatment. After a year of treatment at NORI, he is now cancer-free and living a healthy life. His story shows just how important NORI’s work is in saving lives and offering hope to patients.
Wrap Up
The new cyclotron technology at NORI is a big step forward for cancer treatment in Pakistan. It makes important diagnostic tests like PET scans more accessible to patients in northern Pakistan. By providing affordable treatment, focusing on early diagnosis, and producing essential medicines locally, NORI is continuing to lead the way in cancer care. With its patient-centered policies and commitment to quality care, NORI is giving many people hope and saving lives.
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