PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated practical steps to establish CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery and PET, CT scan facilities for the first time at the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, in what officials described as a “landmark development” in cancer treatment.
Adviser to the Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali, said on Saturday that the project was a “gift” from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the people of the province and aligned with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan to make advanced and costly treatments accessible to the public.
He said advertisements had already been issued to invite proposals from interested companies for the installation of the facilities. “This historic step will fill a longstanding gap in cancer care and mark the beginning of a new era in oncology services in the province,” he added.
According to the adviser, more than 11,700 new cancer cases are reported annually in the province, and the availability of these services would save patients from travelling to Karachi or other cities for diagnosis and treatment.
The adviser explained that the CyberKnife system would provide non-invasive, highly precise radiosurgery for complex and inoperable tumours, while the PET/CT scan would enable timely diagnosis, accurate staging, and effective treatment planning.
He said the initiative would not only improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates but also enhance the quality of life of patients. “The facilities will serve as a centre for advanced medical research, training, and capacity building, ultimately strengthening the provincial health system,” he remarked.
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Calling it a “historic breakthrough,” the adviser said the project would reduce the financial and psychological burden on patients and their families and ensure a healthier future for coming generations
