A network of cancer detection centers is being established in Pakistan by the Karachi based Medical Aid Foundation.
Dr. Saira Khan, a pathologist by profession and president of the foundation, who is visiting the UAE to collect funds for the project, said the aim of the organization is to create an awareness among the public about the seriousness of the disease.
In a short period of nine months, the foundation has established two well-equipped centers in the slum areas of Karachi-Neelam Colony and Mahmoodabad-which have detected 20 cancer cases.
The centers also deal with general health problems of the areas which lack basic health facilities and also advise on family planning. The foundation also looks after the cancer ward of the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center.
Dr. Saira said the treatment at the centers is at cost price, without any profit, and is free for those who cannot afford it.
The foundation has also conducted 30 cancer awareness camps in 1989 and setup clinics for detecting breast cancer.
Dr. Saira said the foundation initially planned to set up 63 more early cancer detection centers in Karachi alone. Some of them will be attached to the existing community centers.
She said each center needed Rs 300,000 for its establishment. She said in addition to cash, contributions in kind, such as medical equipment and machines from the hospitals, organizations and individuals would also be welcome.
She said that the foundation planed to provide door-to-door information about cancer in the areas where the detection centers are being set up. It further planned to set up a home for those suffering from terminal cancer.
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