In a monumental step towards improving breast cancer treatment in Pakistan, the Edhi Foundation is funding $4 million worth of cutting-edge medical equipment for the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi. The new Breast Radiation Bay, named after the legendary Abdul Sattar and Bilquis Edhi, will provide free radiation therapy to breast cancer patients, ensuring advanced treatment for those who cannot afford it.
According to Dr. Tariq Mahmood, professor emeritus of radiation oncology at JPMC, the Bilquis & Abdul Sattar Edhi-Breast Radiation Bay is expected to become operational by April 2026. The project is a collaborative effort between the Edhi Foundation, the Patients Aid Foundation (PAF), and the Sindh government.
A Lifeline for Cancer Patients
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death among women in Pakistan, with 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, while surgery and chemotherapy are widely available, radiation therapy has long been out of reach for many due to lack of facilities and high costs. The latest Helix Tomotherapy units at JPMC will alter or transform that reality by providing free, precise radiation treatment to 160 patients every day.
These units are utilizing the latest Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) and Deep Inhalation Breath Hold (DIBH) technologies, ensuring:
Accurate targeting of cancer cells while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues
Zero risk of unnecessary radiation exposure to the heart, which is especially crucial for younger patients
This technology is already in use globally, but Pakistan has not had access to it until now. The introduction of IMRT/VMAT radiotherapy at JPMC brings the country in line with international standards, offering patients a fighting chance with advanced, life-saving treatments.
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Government Support for Sustainability
The Sindh government has pledged to fund the repair and maintenance of the equipment after the expiration of its annual warranty, ensuring that the facility remains fully operational for years to come.
JPMC’s Radiation Oncology department is already making history by providing free cancer treatment using the latest medical advancements, regardless of a patient’s nationality, religion, or ethnicity. So far, patients from 167 cities in Pakistan and 15 other countries have benefited from its services.
JPMC’s Growing Capacity
PAF is working in partnership with the Sindh government, has doubled the capacity of JPMC from 1,100 beds to 2,208, and it is stated that an additional 600-bed expansion in progress. This significant expansion, coupled with the latest medical equipment and continuous maintenance, strengthens JPMC’s position as Pakistan’s premier public healthcare institution.
A Testament to Edhi’s Legacy
The project is considered to be a powerful tribute to Abdul Sattar and Bilquis Edhi, who dedicated their lives to humanitarian work. It is a legacy of compassion and service and continues through this project, bringing hope and healing to thousands of women battling breast cancer.