Pakistan's INMOL Gains Prestigious IAEA Collaborating Centre Status in Healthcare Milestone
In a landmark achievement for Pakistan's healthcare sector, the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL) has been officially designated as a collaborating centre by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This recognition integrates INMOL into the IAEA's global network, marking a significant step forward in international cooperation on nuclear medicine and oncology. The formal agreement was signed during a high-level ceremony in Vienna, where a commemorative plaque was presented to the institution to symbolize this prestigious partnership.
High-Level Signing Ceremony and National Pride
The agreement was signed by Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, underscoring the importance of this development. Officials highlighted that this designation reflects international confidence in Pakistan's capabilities in oncology, with cancer hospitals operated by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) serving as a vital treatment source for patients nationwide. They noted that five institutions from Pakistan have now been recognized as IAEA collaborating centres, terming this achievement a matter of national pride and a testament to the country's growing expertise in medical research and patient care.
INMOL's Commitment to Research and Advanced Treatment
According to INMOL's administration, this recognition underscores the institution's unwavering commitment to research, training, and quality patient care. In a related development, a state-of-the-art HyperArc machine, valued at Rs1.4 billion, has been inaugurated at the hospital. This advanced facility is equipped with cutting-edge linear accelerators and imaging systems, enabling it to provide treatment to approximately 150,000 patients annually. Over the years, INMOL has trained hundreds of oncologists, medical physicists, and technologists, contributing significantly to the healthcare workforce in Pakistan.
Expansive Cancer Care Network Across Pakistan
The PAEC currently operates a network of 21 cancer hospitals nationwide, which collectively treat more than one million patients each year. This extensive network plays a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of the population, with INMOL's new status expected to further enhance research collaborations and training programs. The designation as an IAEA collaborating centre is poised to boost Pakistan's role in global oncology efforts, fostering innovation and improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients across the region.
