Pakistan’s healthcare sector has registered two landmark achievements this week, showcasing progress both in advanced surgery and preventive medicine.
In Karachi, doctors at Jinnah Hospital successfully carried out their first knee cancer surgery on a 26-year-old patient. A joint team of orthopedic and plastic surgeons operated for four hours to remove a cancerous tumor and implant an artificial knee.
The Rs1 million prosthetic was provided free, and the total surgery cost of Rs3.5 million was borne entirely by the hospital. Post-surgery tests confirmed that the cancer was eliminated, and doctors expect the implant to last 20–25 years.
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Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Institute of Public Health announced the development of a breast cancer vaccine. Officials confirmed that mass production plans for the HPV-based vaccine are under discussion. Medical experts highlighted that three doses for 12-year-old girls could provide lifelong protection against breast cancer.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja hailed the vaccine as a major advancement in women’s health, while Prof. Dr. Javed Akram described it as “a leap forward in preventive care.”
Together, the two developments mark a turning point in Pakistan’s medical landscape. The surgical breakthrough highlights the ability of local hospitals to deliver advanced treatments, while the vaccine represents a preventative approach that could save thousands of lives in the years to come.
