Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Breast cancer poses a serious life threat for women all over the world. More than one million worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Pakistani women develops breast cancer at some stage of their life. To coup the disease, Capital Administration & development division (CAD) formally launched state of art National breast cancer screening program in collaboration with Pakistan institute of medical sciences here in Islamabad.
According to the documents received by this correspondent, the project with estimated cost of 225 million was launched by the federal government to provide state of art free medical facilities to minimize the high risk of breast cancer prevailing among Pakistani women. The project will provide free of cost and best cancer treatment to every Pakistani women nationwide.
When contacted with PIMS administration Dr Ayesha Isani Majeed, deputy project director National breast cancer screening program revealed that this project will be completed in year 2015 in collaboration with Capital administration authority. “157 million rupees were allocated for year 2014-2015 and up till now CAD has released the 1st Quarter of 31 million” Dr Ayesha added.
Tender for mammography machine is in progress while PIMS has purchased Colored Doppler lastograpgy Ultrasound machine costing 5.5 million last year for breast cancer screening. NOC for civil works has been issued by ministry of Housing and works via letter no F.60 (NOC) 2014/AEA dated 14-10-2014 and Multi story building with 14ooo square feet area will provide Initial screening and detection, biopsy, ultrasound and mammography to the patients.
“Initially consultant oncologist, surgeons and radiologist of Pakistan institute of medical sciences will provide their services in treating the breast cancer patient while after sometime this unit will perform their duty independently” said Dr Ayesha
Dr Aneeza consultant psychiatrist and senior member National breast cancer screening program said that in collaboration with CAD, ICT, PIMS, volunteer students of Medical and dental colleges of federal capital, special campaign to promote awareness among masses regarding Breast cancer have been launched in 12 Union councils, women universities, colleges and schools of feral city.
