KEY POINTS
- IAEA DG says Pakistan has established a nationwide network of 20 cancer hospitals
- Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the IAEA
- Grossi highlighted the alarming rise in global cancer deaths
- Cancer-related deaths are projected to increase by 75 percent by 2050
- IAEA chief praised Pakistan for measures to tackle the cancer challenge
ISLAMABAD: The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has commended Pakistan’s efforts to combat cancer, praising the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for establishing a nationwide network of 20 specialised cancer hospitals that are improving diagnosis and treatment across the country.
In a statement, he highlighted the country’s extensive nationwide network of 20 cancer hospitals, supported by highly trained medical professionals, as a major contribution to improving cancer diagnosis and treatment across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, reacting to the statement on Wednesday, said Islamabad remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the IAEA across all areas of its mandate, particularly the ‘Rays Of Hope initiative to further enhance facilities such as INOR and expand access to life-saving radiotherapy and diagnostic services.
Pakistan has established multiple nuclear medicine facilities that provide treatment to a large number of patients across the country.
These include the Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) and the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (INOR).
Rafael Mariano, speaking on the growing global health crisis, noted that far too many lives are lost to cancer each year.
He added that in Pakistan alone, more than one hundred thousand people die annually from the disease, while worldwide deaths have crossed ten million.
Alarmingly, projections show that cancer-related deaths could rise by 75 percent by 2050, with developing countries bearing the heaviest burden.
Highlighting the urgent need for action, Grossi emphasised that the international community must do more—and is doing more—to combat the disease.
He commended the government of Pakistan for taking strong steps to address the cancer challenge. Grossi congratulated PAEC on the establishment of the Karachi Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (KINOR), calling it a significant milestone in Pakistan’s fight against cancer.
Recalling his visit to Pakistan in February this year, the IAEA DG said during his meetings with Pakistani leadership, he discussed ways to further expand cooperation between Pakistan and the IAEA in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Grossi acknowledged NORI’s role as an IAEA Race of Hope anchor centre and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to safe, secure radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services.
He stressed that technology becomes truly life-saving only when placed in the hands of well-trained experts, and that anchor centers play a vital role as regional hubs for capacity building and professional training worldwide.
