ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) is not only saving lives but also conserving foreign exchange worth Rs350 million annually through the production of life-saving medicines, said Dr. Shazia Fatima while addressing a gathering on Tuesday.
Sharing data on cancer patients, Dr. Fatima highlighted that 58% of patients treated were women, while 42% were men. She proudly noted that the Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) was recognized as a “Ray of Hope” by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2023.
“Our mission is to continue providing world-class treatment and empower patients to serve their nations and contribute to a positive image of Pakistan,” she added.
Among NORI’s success stories is that of Mohammad Zia, 54, a father of two, who was diagnosed with cancer in January 2024. Nearly a year later, on December 18, he received the life-changing news that he had beaten the disease.
“I had been experiencing chest pain for some time. After several tests, a radiologist informed me of a node on my kidney, but said the cancer had already spread to my liver and blood, making it untreatable,” Mr. Zia recalled.
“At that moment, my world collapsed. After decades of struggle, my sons were finally pursuing PhDs, and I was hopeful for better days ahead. But those words felt like a death sentence,” he said.
However, hope was restored when he sought treatment at NORI. “After just the first test, Dr. Faheem informed me that the cancer was confined to my kidney. He immediately recommended surgery to remove the affected kidney,” Mr. Zia said.
Following surgery and nearly a year of treatment, Mr. Zia was declared a cancer survivor. “I owe my life to the dedicated team at NORI. They not only treated me but gave me a second chance at life,” he remarked.
NORI’s continued advancements in oncology stand as a testament to Pakistan’s growing expertise in nuclear medicine and its commitment to patient care.
