CyberKnife facility at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi
Landmark Free Cancer Treatment in Sindh
The CyberKnife facility at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi; a collaboration between the Sindh government and the Patients’ Aid Foundation (PAF), provides fully free cancer treatment using advanced CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery technology. It is currently the only public facility worldwide offering such service at no cost.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved a $4.1 million grant in 2023 to upgrade the facility, reporting a waiting list of around 2,000 patients and increasing the annual PAF grant from Rs 340 million to Rs 540 million to meet growing demand.
Following the upgrades, JPMC now houses two CyberKnife units, two Tomotherapy units, and one of the only publicly accessible PET‑CT/MR scanners in Pakistan.
Global Recognition Boosts National Pride
In June 2024, the Royal College of Radiologists (UK) honored Dr. Tariq Mahmood (JPMC) for pioneering efforts in radiation oncology; the first Pakistani and Muslim recipient, highlighting the facility’s global significance.
Sindh’s leadership and PAF’s long-term support have made JPMC a top-tier center ranked among the top 10 worldwide for offering free-of-charge radiosurgery and cancer care to patients from 167 Pakistani cities and 15 countries.
Massive Public Reliance and Digital Spotlight
Online discussions reveal widespread appreciation:
- Reddit users noted that JPMC offers state-of-the-art care free of cost, making it a vital resource for marginalized patients across Pakistan.
- Another user highlighted the CyberKnife’s precision and minimal side-effects, calling it a transformational service for difficult-to-operate tumors, such as brain and spinal cancers.
The CyberKnife Facility Sindh captures public sentiment and gratitude for the life-saving access offered by the JPMC CyberKnife unit; a crucial lifeline for many patients lacking financial means or access to private hospitals.
Key Details at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
| Service Type | Free CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery and Tomotherapy |
| Facility | Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi |
| Partners | Sindh Government & Patients’ Aid Foundation |
| Capacity Upgrade | Grant increased from Rs 340M to Rs 540M; $4.1M equipment grant |
| Equipment | Two CyberKnife units, two Tomotherapy units, PET‑CT/MR |
| Users Served | Patients from 167 Pakistani cities + 15 countries |
| Global Recognition | RCR UK recognition of Dr Tariq Mahmood |
| Why Trending | Nationwide acclaim for free, advanced cancer treatment |
Why It Resonates
- Socioeconomic Impact: The facility provides access to life-saving treatment for low-income populations who cannot afford expensive private healthcare.
- Healthcare Benchmark: Pakistan’s only public hospital offering robotics-based radiosurgery draws national and international attention.
- National Pride: Public-private collaboration backed by international recognition reinforces confidence in Sindh’s healthcare initiatives.
The CyberKnifeFacilitySindh reflects widespread appreciation for the JPMC CyberKnife center in Karachi, which offers free, world-class cancer treatment courtesy of a public–private partnership. With upgraded equipment, a growing patient roster, and international acclaim for its medical leadership, JPMC stands as a crucial symbol of healthcare equity and national healthcare achievement in Pakistan.
