World oncologists satisfied with patients treatment in Pakistan

Islamabad: A delegation of foreign oncologists on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the level of treatment being provided to the cancer patients in Pakistan.

The delegation came to Pakistan to attend a three-day conference on Advances in Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine organised by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission in collaboration with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Around 150 experts comprising Radiation Oncologists, Clinical Oncologists, Nuclear Physicians, Medical Physicists and Radiotherapy Technologists from PAEC and other cancer hospitals of the country took part in the three-day conference.

“The level of knowledge and the enthusiasm of the Pakistani physicians is highly commendable, their curiosity to know about the details of latest research and technology, relevant queries and input in the conference showed their dedication and care for the patients”, they expressed. Sharing their views after the three-day international conference, ‘PAEC-IAEA: International Conference on Advances in Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine’ organised at the Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Hospital, they stated that besides the valuable experience sharing they are also pleased with the level of hospitality, love and kindness of the people they received.

Dr. Kiattisa Sommat, Consultant, Department of Radiation, Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore said that it was a wonderful experience to be part of the conference as it was interactive, beneficial and a good opportunity to apprise with the knowledge of pool of experts gathered here.

“It was an eye opening experience to be here as Pakistan is totally different from its perspective being portrayed abroad through media”, she opined. She added that they have seen a modern and progressive Pakistan with high percent of women in medicine and oncology, even more than the ratio of women in her own department in Singapore.

Dr. Arif Sheikh, Professor of medicine United States, a Pakistani origin physician stated that he came here after a gap of a decay and he was surprised to see the advancement and level of treatment facilities being provided.

However, he pointed out that smoking, life style, lack of awareness of routine screening are the major factor contributing to high-level of cancer in Pakistan adding, “Life style modifications help reduce caner”.

“We have latest technology but the hand of expertise for proper usage of equipment still needed to be acquired”, he stated. Dr. Niaec Anderson, Radiation Therapist, Melbourne, Australia said the level of treatment being provided here is good but it’s time to update it further meeting the next level requirements through more resources and introducing the latest equipment.

The faculty members are enriched with knowledge, and it was valuable experience sharing during the moot, he opined. He hoped to work on introducing new programmes in collaboration with both the countries for more advanced treatment facilities.

Dr. Terez Sera, an expert of Nuclear Medicine from Hungry shared that the conference was called at most suitable time as Pakistan would have soon PET C.T scan facility in few months. Trained manpower to work on this latest technology machinery are the key factor to get results, she said adding, they are working on network of excellence from European Association of Nuclear Medicine to have efficient staff for handling the equipment.

Dr. Wahyu Edewibowo, Medical Physician from Indonesia and Dr. Amelia Jimeney from Spain also appreciated the level of knowledge shared during the conference on Radiation Oncology. Earlier, speaking as chief guest at the concluding ceremony, Rawalpindi Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar also offered joint training and research programmes in collaboration with NORI Hospital.