In a significant development for cancer care in Pakistan, the Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art second Halcyon Linear Accelerator. This advancement strengthens access to modern radiotherapy services at the largest public-sector cancer hospital operated by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Enhanced Treatment Capacity and Precision
With this new addition, KIRAN now operates a total of four linear accelerators, including two Halcyon systems. The newly commissioned Halcyon enables highly precise cancer treatment using modern Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques. These methods ensure better accuracy and improved patient care, targeting tumours with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues.
Boosting Daily Patient Volume
KIRAN currently provides radiotherapy to approximately 250 cancer patients daily, which is the highest patient volume for any cancer hospital in the country. With the commissioning of the Halcyon Linear Accelerator, the daily treatment capacity is expected to increase to around 400 patients per day. This expansion is set to significantly reduce waiting times, making timely care more accessible to those in need.
Collaborative Efforts and Free Treatment
This vital addition has been made possible through the generous support of the KIRAN Patients Welfare Society (KPWS) and the Strategic Plans Division (SPD). All deserving cancer patients will receive free treatment on this machine, highlighting a commitment to equitable healthcare access. Stakeholders note that the project demonstrates how hospitals, community organisations, and technology partners can collaborate to bring advanced cancer care within reach for more Pakistanis, regardless of their financial means.
Patient-Centred Design and Safety Features
The Halcyon system is built to deliver precision radiotherapy with advanced image guidance used for every treatment session. This supports consistent positioning and precise delivery across all tumour sites. The platform is designed to treat all tumour types in a compact, patient-centred workflow, keeping sessions efficient for clinical teams.
Patient comfort is also a key focus, featuring a couch that lowers for easier positioning and quieter system motion during setup. A couch-mounted camera and an intercom allow clear communication between the patient and the therapist. Safety features include collision detection, a six-point safety approach, and a daily performance check that takes about five minutes. Newer upgrades further support precise positioning and smoother workflow, ensuring high standards of care.
Strengthening Karachi's Healthcare Landscape
By adding a second Halcyon, KIRAN Hospital aims to strengthen its role as a leading radiotherapy centre in Karachi and expand access to modern treatment for more families. This initiative not only enhances the hospital's capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of improving cancer care outcomes in Pakistan, setting a benchmark for public-sector healthcare institutions.
