IN a significant stride toward enhancing cancer treatment, Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) has introduced cutting-edge cyclotron technology, a move that promises relief to cancer patients in the northern regions of the country. The Rs 1.5 billion cyclotron will allow the preparation of Gallium 68-related isotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) scans, a critical tool in diagnosing and monitoring cancer.
Before this, Gallium 68 isotopes were only available in Lahore, making it nearly impossible for patients in northern Pakistan to benefit from PET scans due to the isotopes’ short shelf life. This development will not only improve accessibility but also reduce the burden on patients who previously had to endure the stress of long-distance travel for treatment. The significance of PET scans cannot be overstated. These scans offer a non-invasive method to observe the metabolic and biochemical activities of tissues, helping doctors detect cancer at its earliest stages. With this new technology, NORI has joined the ranks of hospitals that are leveraging advanced equipment to combat the rise of cancer.
Moreover, the affordable and patient-centric approach at NORI including a 40% discount on medicines for inpatient sensures that quality healthcare is within reach for those who need it most. NORI’s commitment to cancer treatment extends beyond just cutting-edge technology. With a ‘no-refusal’ policy, the hospital has been a beacon of hope for patients who have been turned away by other medical facilities. Through collaboration with 19 hospitals under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), NORI has played a pivotal role in treating patients who were previously deemed beyond help. Such stories of success, where patients once told they could not survive are now living healthy lives, demonstrate the profound impact of NORI’s compassionate care. By combining advanced technology with a humanitarian approach, the PAEC hospitals indeed are a Ray of Hope for the countless individuals fighting cancer.
