Islamabad: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has commended Pakistan's efforts to combat cancer through the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, highlighting its nationwide network of 20 cancer hospitals and trained professionals.
According to the statement issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the IAEA across all areas of its mandate-particularly the #RaysOfHope initiative-to further enhance facilities such as INOR and expand access to life-saving radiotherapy and diagnostic services.
DG IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi in his statement said 'Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, far too many people die of cancer. In Pakistan, it is more than one hundred thousand people each year. Worldwide, the number has surpassed 10 million, and things are getting worse. Cancer deaths are expected to rise by seventy five percent by two thousand and fifty'.
Rafael Mariano Grossi said that the developing countries are getting hit the hardest. 'We must do and are doing more. It is why I launched the IAEA's Race of Hope initiative, procuring radiotherapy machines, conducting life saving research and providing training and education across the world' Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
He said that the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is tackling the cancer challenge too. He said that the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, PAC, has established 20 cancer hospitals in the country and trained a fleet of professionals. 'I congratulate PAC for establishing the latest Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy, KINOR' Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
Rafael Mariano Grossi said 'In my visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shabazz Sharif and I discussed how to widen the IAEA's and Pakistan cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. During the visit, I saw for myself the diagnostic and treatment facilities at Nouri and Inmol cancer hospitals. I also had the pleasure of inaugurating Pakistan's first public sector cyber knife facility. I would like to acknowledge the partnership of NORI as an IAEA Race of Hope anchor center. I am determined to widen the access to safe and secure radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services. Technology only becomes a lifesaver in the hands of well trained experts. Anchor centres serve as an important regional hub of capacity building and training all over the world. In closing, let me again congratulate Pakistan on this notable milestone and say that the IAEA looks forward to continuing its vital work with you in tackling the cancer crisis. Thank you'.