Karachi: Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials held detailed discussions on cost-effective treatment options for various types of cancers, focusing on sustainable and affordable oncology solutions for developing countries where a majority of patients cannot afford expensive modern therapies.
The deliberations took place during the visit of a high-level Bangladeshi delegation to Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) on Saturday where both sides explored avenues for collaboration in advanced cancer care, knowledge transfer, and capacity building. The discussions emphasized the need to develop accessible and resource-efficient oncology models tailored to low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The delegation was led by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, accompanied by Head of Chancery Ishrat Jahan. They were received by DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain, under whose leadership the university has emerged as a regional hub of excellence in medical education, research, and specialized healthcare. Principal Dow International Medical College Prof. Uzma Bukhari , Vice Principal Dr. Ramla Naz, and Medical Superintendent Dow University Hospital Dr. Khurshid Ahmed Soomro were also present on the occasion.
During the visit to the Ojha Campus, the delegation toured the Dow Comprehensive Cancer Center, where they were briefed on state-of-the-art oncology services. These included medical oncology, radiation oncology, gamma knife radiosurgery, nuclear medicine, and theranostics. The visitors also reviewed advanced technologies such as PET-CT imaging and MR-LINAC-based adaptive radiotherapy, which enable precise and effective cancer treatment.
Bangladeshi officials expressed keen interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s expertise in delivering high-quality yet cost-effective cancer care. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in modern oncology through faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and institutional partnerships.
The delegation was also briefed on DUHS’s integrated healthcare system, including specialized services in hepatology, liver transplantation, nephrology, renal transplantation, and bone marrow transplantation, reflecting the institution’s comprehensive approach to patient care and medical training.
As part of the academic engagements, the visitors toured Dow International Medical College, where they reviewed undergraduate and postgraduate programs, research initiatives, and training facilities. The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening academic linkages between the two countries.
The delegation also visited the Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS), where they observed modern dental education and clinical training. They toured departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics, along with advanced laboratories and phantom labs. Principal Dr. Anwar Ali, Vice Principal Dr. Khurram Pervez were present during the visit.
During bilateral talks, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery, with particular emphasis on oncology. Key areas of collaboration included knowledge transfer, faculty and student exchange, and the development of sustainable cancer treatment models suited to resource-constrained settings.
The visit concluded with a commitment to strengthen long-term institutional partnerships between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain reaffirmed DUHS’s dedication to advancing medical excellence and fostering international cooperation in healthcare.
It is pertinent to mention that Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan had also visited DUHS in the last week of January this year, where discussions were held on enhancing academic cooperation, including opportunities for Bangladeshi students under the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme
