Dateline Report
ISLAMABAD: In a significant achievement for Pakistan’s medical community, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) announced that its Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital NORI has been officially designated as an “IAEA Anchor Centre” under the International Atomic Energy Agency’s “Rays of Hope initiative.” This momentous announcement came during a signing ceremony held in Vienna, coinciding with the 67th Session of the General Conference of the IAEA.
The Anchor Centre Agreement was inked by Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, signifying a collaborative effort to enhance Member States’ capabilities in cancer research.
IAEA’s “Anchor Centres” are specialized cancer treatment facilities that collaborate closely with the agency to support and contribute expertise within their respective regions. These Anchor Centres are integral components of the IAEA’s broader “Rays of Hope (RoH) initiative,” which seeks to aid Member States in establishing or expanding their capacities in radiotherapy and multimodality medical imaging.
Furthermore, these designated Anchor Centres will play pivotal roles by offering training opportunities for medical professionals, organizing healthcare provider courses, engaging in IAEA Coordinated Research Projects, fostering networking, and providing mentorship and expertise to other radiotherapy and medical imaging centers within their respective regions.
The signing ceremony also witnessed the formalization of Anchor Centre Agreements with cancer institutes from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Turkiye, further strengthening the global network of cancer research and treatment collaboration.
Within the realm of healthcare in Pakistan, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has been at the forefront, employing nuclear and advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating cancer and related diseases. The commission actively engages in national cancer awareness, prevention, and diagnosis and treatment programs.
Notably, NORI (Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute), situated in Islamabad, stands as a state-of-the-art facility and the sole fully fledged tertiary care cancer hospital in Pakistan, specifically tailored to diagnose and treat cancer patients. NORI is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the advanced Cyberknife system, making it a vital resource in the battle against cancer.
This designation of NORI as an IAEA Anchor Centre marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s commitment to advancing cancer research, treatment, and patient care, both at home and on the global stage.
The designation of NORI Hospital as an IAEA Anchor Centre underscores Pakistan’s dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment. This collaboration promises to enhance cancer care not only within Pakistan but also in the broader region, furthering the global fight against this devastating disease.
