Bilawal Opens New CyberKnife Facility at JPMC

Summary:

• Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari inaugurates new medical departments and the CyberKnife S7-FIM at Jinnah Hospital, Karachi.
• The new facilities include a 120-bed Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department and a 110-bed Neurology and Stroke Unit.
• Bhutto-Zardari highlights the Sindh government’s achievements and criticizes other provinces’ healthcare shortcomings.

On August 19, 2024, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), officially opened new medical departments and advanced technology at Jinnah Hospital in Karachi. The ceremony marked the debut of a 120-bed Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department and a 110-bed Neurology and Stroke Unit, along with the latest CyberKnife S7-FIM technology. This cutting-edge technology offers a non-invasive and highly precise cancer treatment method, using high doses of radiation to target tumors effectively.

Addressing attendees, Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that the CyberKnife S7-FIM is among the most expensive machines globally, yet it will be provided to patients at no cost. He defended the Sindh government’s healthcare initiatives against criticisms, stating that the province’s facilities, such as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) and the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), stand out for their quality and accessibility. In comparison, he noted that other provinces struggle to offer even basic diagnostic services for free.

Bhutto-Zardari also urged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to maintain high standards in healthcare and invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit the new facilities during his next trip to Karachi. He offered the PPP-led government’s support to the Punjab government in enhancing health services, reinforcing his commitment to improving healthcare across Pakistan.

The inauguration of these facilities and technology underscores the Sindh government’s dedication to advancing medical care and reflects Bhutto-Zardari’s focus on showcasing the province’s achievements amidst broader national healthcare challenges.