The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Patients Behbud Society (PBS) for AKUH have entered into a significant partnership with Novartis Pakistan to offer quality targeted therapy treatments for cancer patients from low-income backgrounds. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was announced during a ceremony at the University Hospital premises in Karachi.

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Cancer is a major health issue in Pakistan, with over 100,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The partnership aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients suffering from breast cancer, blood cancers like Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), and Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). Under the MoU, Novartis will supply medicines free of charge to AKUH, covering partial treatment costs, while PBS will cover the remaining expenses.

Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH, expressed his commitment to providing accessible healthcare: “AKUH endeavors to offer our services to patients who cannot afford our regular charges due to financial constraints. Our welfare programs, which amounted to over PKR 5.8 billion last year, ensure that patients receiving financial support get the same quality of care as all others. This partnership will enhance our capacity to treat more patients with the best possible oncological care.”

Arif Tahir, Country President and CEO of Novartis Pakistan, highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “I am very excited about our partnership with AKUH and the positive impact it can have on patients. Novartis is dedicated to improving access to medicines, and this collaboration represents a significant step in expanding access to cutting-edge oncology treatments in Pakistan. I am particularly pleased with the support this partnership will provide to women suffering from breast cancer, improving their overall survivorship and quality of life.”

Abdul Qadir Memon, President of PBS, expressed his gratitude for Novartis Pakistan’s support: “It is heartening to see partners like Novartis Pakistan come forward to assist needy patients by donating expensive cancer drugs. With more zakat and sadaqat, we can serve more patients, bringing blessings to the donors as well.”

Dr. Zehra Fadoo, Head of the Oncology Department at AKUH, emphasized the importance of reducing disparities in cancer treatment: “The cost of treatment is a major barrier in low and middle-income countries like Pakistan. This partnership with Novartis will help bridge the gap in treatment outcomes for cancer and blood disease patients, providing them with access to highly effective drugs they would otherwise not be able to afford.”

This initiative promises to bring hope and improved health to many cancer patients in Pakistan, enabling them to lead productive lives post-treatment. The combined efforts of AKUH, PBS, and Novartis Pakistan mark a significant advancement in the fight against cancer in the region.

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