On Monday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari inaugurated the state-of-the-art CyberKnife S7-FIM technology at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi. This advanced robotic technology is a breakthrough in cancer treatment, delivering high doses of radiation with precision in a painless and non-invasive manner. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in healthcare services in Sindh, reflecting the province’s commitment to providing cutting-edge medical treatments.
During the ceremony at JPMC, Bilawal also unveiled two newly established departments: a 120-bed Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences and a 110-bed Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit. These additions further bolster JPMC’s reputation as a leading medical institution in Pakistan, offering comprehensive care across various specialties.
In his address, Bilawal emphasized the importance of these advancements, highlighting the Sindh government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services for the public. He lauded the CyberKnife technology as one of the most advanced and expensive medical machines globally, which is now available at JPMC free of charge to the public. “People often criticize the Sindh government for not doing enough, but the work speaks for itself,” Bilawal asserted. He pointed to institutions like the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), and JPMC as examples of the provincial government’s achievements.
Bilawal contrasted Sindh’s healthcare advancements with the situation in other provinces, where even basic diagnostic facilities like CT scans are not provided free of charge to the public. He proudly noted that the CyberKnife facility is unique to JPMC, making it the only hospital in the country to offer such a high level of cancer treatment.
The CyberKnife system, first introduced at JPMC in December 2012, has since become a cornerstone of the hospital’s oncology services. This latest version, the CyberKnife S7-FIM, represents a significant upgrade, offering even more precise and effective treatment options for cancer patients. Bilawal emphasized that this technology is a testament to the Sindh government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for its citizens.
Bilawal also directed Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to continue prioritizing healthcare, ensuring that the province remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. He encouraged the chief minister to invite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit JPMC during his next trip to Karachi, to witness firsthand the advancements made under the PPP-led government.
Expressing confidence in the PPP’s governance, Bilawal mentioned that the Sindh government is ready to extend its healthcare expertise to other provinces, particularly Punjab. “We are willing to assist the Punjab government in the health sector,” Bilawal stated, signaling a cooperative approach to improving healthcare across Pakistan.
The inauguration of these facilities at JPMC is a significant step forward in the province’s healthcare infrastructure, reflecting the PPP’s ongoing efforts to enhance public health services. The CyberKnife S7-FIM, along with the new departments, is expected to greatly benefit patients, offering them access to some of the best medical technologies and treatments available in the country.
The event not only showcased the technological advancements at JPMC but also reinforced the PPP’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to all citizens, regardless of their financial status. Bilawal’s address highlighted the importance of good governance and the positive impact it can have on public services, particularly in the healthcare sector.
As JPMC continues to expand its services and capabilities, it stands as a model of excellence in healthcare, setting a benchmark for other provinces to follow. The introduction of the CyberKnife S7-FIM and the establishment of new departments are milestones that underscore the Sindh government’s vision for a healthier, more equitable society.
