The Rotary Club of Karachi Sunset Millennium (RCKSM), with its international partner Rotary Club of Sacile-Centenario Italy, has provided tumour removal equipment to the Paediatric Oncology Ward at the National Institute of Child Health, Jinnah Hospital, under a Matching Grant project costing US$ 54,500.
A handing over ceremony was held at the NICH on Dec. 9th, 2009. DG Usman Masud Khan, who was the chief guest on the occasion, and Mr. Amir Fancy, President RCKSM, handed over the equipment to Dr. Nizam ul Hasan , President of Child Aid Association.
Speaking at the occasion, DG Usman Masud praised the efforts made by RCKSM and its international partner in helping NICH and Child Aid, by providing medical equipment which will go a long way in saving lives of many children who are victims of this dreadful disease.
Dr. Nizam ul Hasan, President, Child Aid Association, also thanked RCKSM for this generous donation and its continuous support to NICH and Child Aid. RCKSM has assisted Child Aid Association in the past in the building of a ward and in procuring medical equipment worth Rs. 3.5 million for the then newly opened Cytogenetic Laboratory for early detection of childhood cancers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jamshed, Head of Paediatric Surgery, stated that the equipment provided by RCKSM will be used for laparoscopic surgery of tumour removal in children between the ages of 3 to 7 years. This is a less painful procedure and with a quicker recover time.
Dr. Jamal Raza, Director, NICH, pointed out that treatment of cancer is an expensive procedure and the NICH treats over 550 children ever year free of cost. Sixty percent of these patients are from outside Karachi. These numbers are expected to grow to 750 next year.
The Child Aid Association introduced pediatric oncology at this government run hospital. They work with the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) to maintain and operate the facility, and are also reponsible for training of technicians. Child Aid also ensures that all patients at the NICH receive free care according to international protocols.
