QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhel has announced plans for a 2,000-bed, state-of-the-art hospital to address Quetta’s.
The Governor made the announcement while addressing a seminar on breast cancer awareness, organised by BETUMS University in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
He noted that the city, which acts as the primary medical hub for the entire province, is currently served by only two or three major hospitals, a situation he described as insufficient for its vast population. “The dire need for a massive expansion in healthcare is evident,” Governor Mandokhel stated. “This initiative will transform the healthcare landscape of Quetta.”
Specialist Focus on Breast Cancer
A key feature of the proposed hospital will be its modern facilities dedicated to combating breast cancer, aiming to improve accurate diagnosis, enhance preventive measures, and increase survival rates.
In his keynote address, the Governor emphasised that breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally, with thousands of new cases diagnosed in Pakistan each year. He stressed the “urgent need to highlight the message that caution is life,” and called for greater public awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
He also contextualised the health challenges within broader social issues, remarking, “It is a sobering thought that in the 21st century, Pashtun and Baloch women are still forced to carry water on their heads from many kilometres away. The secret of the health of the entire family lies in the health of the mother.”
Governor Mandokhel outlined preventative measures, noting the consensus among health experts that a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of the disease.
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He concluded by commending the World Health Organization and BETUMS University for organising a successful seminar and urged the Vice-Chancellors of all public sector universities in Balochistan to foster collaboration for the welfare of the people and “ensure a bright but healthy future for the coming generations.”
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of academics and health professionals, including Vice-Chancellors from several universities and senior faculty members. The proceedings concluded with the Governor distributing commemorative shields and certificates to the distinguished guests and organisers.
