Editorial:
Balochistan has grappled with a relentless increase in cancer cases over the past several years. Alarming statistics provided by medical experts highlight the growing number of cancer patients in this underdeveloped province.
CENAR Hospital Reports 16,000 Cancer Patients
Each year, CENAR hospital in Quetta reports more than 16,000 new cancer patients. Regrettably, this is the sole facility dedicated to treating cancer patients in Balochistan. However, the hospital faces a shortage of medical experts and essential medications to effectively address the rising cancer patient load.
Over 3,000 Cancer Diagnosed Patients Succumb to Disease
Oncologists working at CENAR hospital have unveiled deeply concerning statistics regarding mortality rates. Shockingly, more than 3,000 cancer-diagnosed patients succumb to the disease in Balochistan annually. Moreover, unreported cases – individuals who remain undiagnosed and perish in remote regions of the province – add to this grim toll.
Despite official claims and announcements, healthcare facilities across the province remain woefully inadequate. The dire consequences of cancer have compelled thousands of patients and their families to seek treatment at costly private hospitals in Karachi.
Lack Of Awareness One Of The Reasons
Medical experts pinpoint several underlying factors contributing to this crisis: lack of awareness, pervasive poverty, unemployment, and limited access to quality healthcare. It’s a troubling fact that most patients seek medical attention only in the advanced stages of cancer, drastically reducing their chances of recovery.
While much has been said about this deadly disease, the establishment of a modern cancer hospital in Balochistan remains a long-unfulfilled promise. The provincial government allocates substantial funding – more than 40 billion rupees – to the health sector in every annual budget. However, the people are yet to witness any tangible relief in this regard.
The Lives Of Countless Individuals Are Stake
Given the alarming rise in cancer cases, it is imperative that the provincial government moves beyond rhetoric and takes concrete action to establish a premier Cancer Treatment Center. The lives of countless individuals are at stake, and immediate measures are needed to address this urgent healthcare crisis.
