In order to produce Gallium 68 isotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) scans, the Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) has invested Rs 1.5 billion in a state-of-the-art cyclotron. This development makes life-saving diagnostic services more accessible to cancer patients within 200 kilometres of Islamabad.
Dr. Muhammad Faheem, the director of NORI, announced this development at a press conference held at the hospital on Wednesday. Gallium 68 isotopes were previously only accessible in Lahore, he noted, which presented serious difficulties for patients in northern regions because the isotopes could not be transferred because of their short half-life.
A PET scan is a vital imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to show the metabolic or biochemical activity of tissues and organs.
NORI’s patient-centered initiatives, such as its no-refusal policy, have enabled the hospital and its 19 affiliated Atomic Energy Commission Cancer Hospitals (AECHs) to treat 80% of cancer patients in the country, according to Dr. Faheem. The hospital pharmacy guarantees affordability without sacrificing quality by offering in-patient medications at a 40% discount.
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He highlighted the excellent facilities and moral standards of NORI, highlighting the hospital’s openness and friendliness, which are demonstrated by the “no gift, please” sign at his office door.
Shahid Riaz Khan, Director General of Scientific Information and Public Relations for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, emphasised that NORI was founded in 1983 and has since grown to become one of the country’s top cancer treatment facilities. Citing multiple success cases where patients who were first thought to be incurable by private hospitals recovered completely under AECH treatment, he praised the organization’s no-refusal stance.
Dr. Shazia Fatima, Director General of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Centre, emphasised NORI’s involvement in developing cancer data registries, raising awareness, and educating international colleagues. Nearly half of Pakistan’s approximately 40 cancer facilities are run by the Atomic Energy Commission, she disclosed. Additionally, AECHs, which also house cutting-edge technologies like the cyberknife system, employ 50% of Pakistan’s radiation oncologists.
Dr. Fatima emphasised how crucial early diagnosis is to lowering treatment costs and enhancing results. She added that by producing necessary medications, the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) saves Rs350 million in foreign cash every year. In 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency named NORI a “Ray of Hope”.
NORI’s influence is demonstrated by success stories like the one of Mohammad Zia, a 54-year-old cancer survivor. Zia was given an appropriate diagnosis and treatment at NORI after being misdiagnosed and discouraged by other facilities. He is now cancer-free after a year of treatment, which is evidence of the institute’s life-saving work.