KARACHI: Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials held detailed discussions on cost-effective treatment options for different types of cancers, with a particular focus on developing sustainable and affordable oncology solutions for low- and middle-income countries, during a high-level visit to Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).
The discussions took place during the visit of a Bangladeshi delegation led by High Commissioner to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, accompanied by Head of Chancery Ishrat Jahan.
The delegation was received by DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain. Also present on the occasion were Principal Dow International Medical College Prof. Uzma Bukhari, Vice Principal Dr. Ramla Naz, and Medical Superintendent Dow University Hospital Dr. Khurshid Ahmed Soomro.
During the visit to the Ojha Campus, the delegation toured the Dow Comprehensive Cancer Center, where they were briefed on the university’s advanced oncology services.
The briefing covered medical oncology, radiation oncology, gamma knife radiosurgery, nuclear medicine, theranostics, PET-CT imaging, and MR-LINAC-based adaptive radiotherapy, highlighting DUHS’s growing capabilities in precision cancer care.
Officials from Bangladesh expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s experience in delivering high-quality and cost-effective cancer treatment, particularly for healthcare systems in developing countries where many patients cannot afford expensive modern therapies.
Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in advanced oncology, faculty and student exchange, joint research initiatives, and institutional partnerships, with the aim of strengthening cancer care delivery in resource-constrained settings.
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 multidisciplinary clinical and academic infrastructure.
As part of the academic visit, the delegation toured Dow International Medical College, where they reviewed undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs, research activities, and training facilities.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening academic linkages between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly in medical education and collaborative research.
The delegation later visited the Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS), where they observed modern dental education and clinical training facilities.
They toured the departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics, along with advanced laboratories and phantom labs.
Principal Dr. Anwar Ali and Vice Principal Dr. Khurram Pervez were present during the DIKIOHS visit.
During bilateral talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in medical education, research, healthcare delivery, and oncology services, with particular emphasis on knowledge transfer and sustainable treatment models suited to developing countries.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen long-term institutional partnerships between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain reiterated DUHS’s commitment to advancing medical excellence and promoting 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, when discussions were held on expanding academic cooperation, including opportunities for Bangladeshi students under the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme.
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