In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, Lahore’s Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology (INMOL) has been formally inducted into the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) global network as a designated collaborating center. The recognition, marked by a high-level ceremony in Vienna, positions Pakistan among select nations contributing to international cancer research and treatment standards.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, underscoring the diplomatic and scientific significance of the partnership. This designation makes INMOL the fifth Pakistani institution to earn IAEA collaborating center status, joining a prestigious international roster dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine and oncology.
INMOL officials emphasized that the recognition reflects global confidence in Pakistan’s capabilities in cancer care and represents a commitment to enhancing research, training, and patient treatment protocols. The hospital, operated by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), already serves approximately 150,000 patients annually with affordable, advanced care.
Coinciding with the IAEA designation, INMOL has inaugurated a state-of-the-art HyperArc radiotherapy machine valued at Rs1.4 billion. This cutting-edge technology complements the hospital’s existing arsenal of linear accelerators and imaging systems, enabling more precise and effective cancer treatments. The institution has trained hundreds of oncologists, medical physicists, and technologists, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s healthcare workforce.
PAEC currently operates a network of 21 cancer hospitals nationwide, collectively treating over one million patients each year. The IAEA collaboration is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and access to international training programs, potentially benefiting cancer patients across Pakistan and the region.
This milestone aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates the country’s growing role in global scientific cooperation. As cancer rates continue to rise worldwide, such international partnerships become increasingly vital for advancing treatment accessibility and outcomes.
Source: ARY News