Pakistan joins global program for free medicines for childhood cancer

Pakistan has been included in the 2025 program of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM), under which free childhood cancer medicines will be provided in the country next year.

Health Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal, in a meeting with a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, called the selection ‘a significant milestone’. He said that it is a matter of pride for Pakistan to be selected for this important global program.

The Health Minister stated that more than 8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan every year, many of whom lose their lives due to the unavailability of medicines. “Providing timely and effective treatment to children suffering from cancer is a major challenge,” he added.

Dr Mustafa Kamal further said that through GPACCM, Pakistan will be able to overcome local challenges by leveraging global resources. He congratulated all the relevant institutions on this successful selection and said that the global platform will be fully utilized for this purpose.

This program is a ray of hope, especially for those children who cannot afford the cost of cancer treatment. According to the Ministry of Health, this initiative will not only reduce child mortality but also improve the quality of cancer treatment.

Health experts say that a large number of children suffering from cancer in Pakistan are deprived of timely diagnosis and treatment due to a lack of treatment facilities. This global cooperation can revolutionize the field of pediatric cancer care in the country.