SKMCH&RC organises event for cancer patients

LAHORE:To mark World Cancer Day, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) organised a fun-filled carnival for children undergoing cancer treatment and survivors.

World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the three-year campaign theme is ‘United By Unique,’ to highlight the importance of patient-centred care.

The carnival featured a variety of exciting activities, including a jumping castle, rides, magic show, puppet show, and a circus juggler. For the children undergoing cancer treatment, this day was a welcome respite from their daily struggle.

As one father aptly put it, ‘Today is like Eid for our children. They forget they are undergoing cancer treatment and just enjoy themselves.’ The event also served as a reminder that cancer is curable, and with timely diagnosis and treatment, patients can lead normal, healthy lives.

Corporate organisations participated in the event by sending volunteers and gifts for the children. Their support and generosity added to the festive atmosphere, making the day even more special for the young patients. According to estimates, Pakistan witnesses over 185,000 new cancer cases each year, underscoring the need for comprehensive cancer care. For the past 30 years, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre has been providing free of charge treatment to over 75% of all patients. The hospital's commitment to providing holistic care goes beyond medical treatment, addressing the psychological needs of patients and their families.

‘We believe that patient-centred care is not just about treating the disease, but also about supporting the overall well-being of our patients,’ said Dr Faisal Sultan, the CEO of SKMCH&RC.

CPSP notifies working hours

The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) has notified the working / duty hours of residents. According to the notification, in emergency and six-day a week departments, residents are required to do one duty each in 24 and 12 hours of emergency. A resident is required to do a total of 72 hours of duty in a week. In non-emergency departments, residents are required to do 8 hours of duty in a day, 48 hours in a week and one 24-hour call. CPSP residency training is a complete training programme during which residents cannot continue any private practice.