Many hearts, one battle! The plight of paediatric cancer in Pakistan

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

Paediatric cancer remains one of the most devastating public health challenges in Pakistan today. Every year, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 new childhood cancer cases emerge, yet survival rates remain shockingly low at 20 to 30 per cent, in stark contrast to 80 per cent in developed nations. The country faces a severe shortage of specialised cancer treatment centres, particularly in rural and underserved areas, leaving countless children without timely or adequate care. Limited awareness around the symptoms of childhood cancer also leads to dangerously delayed diagnoses, when treatment is far less effective.
Moreover, the shortage of trained paediatric oncology professionals hampers the quality and scope of care available. Even when diagnosis is made, the financial burden of cancer treatment is often unbearable for many families, leading them to abandon or delay care altogether. Combined, these obstacles result in heartbreaking outcomes, with far too many children left to suffer in silence. For a disease that is largely curable with early intervention and quality medical treatment, the current situation signals an urgent call for change.
The gap in Pakistan's paediatric cancer response
Though the obstacles are enormous, the Pakistani health system has made some strides in paediatric cancer care. Over the years, a range of government-led and nonprofit initiatives have emerged to address childhood cancer, including improvements in diagnostic capacities and partnerships with international organisations. Programmes have sought to expand training for paediatric oncologists and nurses, as well as enhance awareness campaigns to educate families and communities about early warning signs.
However, despite these encouraging efforts, enormous gaps remain. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure is a major factor impacting cancer patients. Limited access to healthcare services, a shortage of medical professionals, and an insufficient number of specialised cancer treatment centres, particularly in rural areas severely restrict patients from receiving timely and effective care. Many face long waiting times, missed or delayed diagnoses, and limited access to essential treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The lack of accessibility and affordability forces a significant portion of the population to either forgo treatment or rely on alternative, often ineffective, methods, resulting in untimely and preventable death.
Transforming paediatric cancer care: IHHN's commitment
In Pakistan's battle against childhood cancer, Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) is at the forefront. At the Korangi Campus in Karachi, IHHN's Paediatric Oncology Department is one of South Asia's largest and most advanced paediatric oncology units. It delivers comprehensive, free-of-cost care to every child in need.
Since its inception, IHHN's paediatric oncology ward has treated over 14,000 children, with more than 150 chemotherapy sessions performed daily. The facility has supported 27,612+ outpatient visits, admitted 2,994+ inpatients for intensive care, and managed over 10,966 paediatric oncology consultations. Beyond the numbers, IHHN's holistic approach in the paediatric Psychosocial Department provides vital emotional and mental health support, helping children and families cope with the profound trauma of cancer. This includes counseling, therapy, child life services, social services, outreach programmes, and even end-of-life care when necessary.
One of the most innovative aspects of IHHN's programme is Indus Ke Sitaray (Indus' Stars), the in-house school that allows young cancer patients and their siblings to continue their education during treatment. For children who have never attended school before, it offers a new beginning, preserving a sense of normalcy and hope for the future.
To further extend its impact, IHHN launched an ambitious outreach programme known as the My Child Matters initiative. This project has established a 'shared care' network across Sindh, linking local hospitals with IHHN specialists and offering tele-oncology services to guide treatment remotely. By decentralising access to paediatric cancer expertise, IHHN has made it possible for more children to receive world-class care closer to home, reducing travel burdens and treatment delays.
With the goal to raise childhood cancer survival rates to 70 per cent by 2030, IHHN's comprehensive model, combines advanced clinical treatment, outreach, emotional care, and education, making it a bold, hope-driven response to one of Pakistan's most heartbreaking healthcare challenges.
A hopeful horizon
The fight against paediatric cancer in Pakistan is far from over, but there is undeniable room for change. Organisations like IHHN have proven that it is possible to deliver high-quality, free-of-cost care to children who would otherwise be left behind. Their pioneering approach to holistic care covers medical needs alongside education, mental health, and family support. It has transformed countless lives, showing that no child should ever be denied the chance to heal.
With continued investment, collaboration, and public awareness, there is reason to believe that the survival rate for children battling cancer in Pakistan can dramatically improve in the years to come. Thanks to the relentless efforts of IHHN and its supporters, ensuring high-quality, free-of-cost treatment for all, hope for cancer patients is no longer a distant dream but an achievable reality!