Bank Alfalah, a prominent commercial bank in Pakistan, has joined forces with Cancer Foundation Hospital to provide critical support to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. This partnership is part of a broader effort to ensure access to life-saving care for those in need, regardless of financial circumstances. Through this collaboration, Bank Alfalah, along with Roche Pakistan, has contributed PKR 10.75 million to cover medication costs and provide free-of-cost treatment for five breast cancer patients, helping them receive comprehensive and uninterrupted care.
Supporting Affordable Cancer Care in Pakistan
Cancer Foundation Hospital, a leading non-profit healthcare institution, is dedicated to offering comprehensive and affordable cancer care services. The hospital operates a modern 100-bed facility equipped with state-of-the-art cancer treatment technologies, including diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. In addition to providing these essential medical services, the hospital offers emotional and psychological support, making a significant difference in the lives of patients facing this challenging disease.
Bank Alfalah’s partnership with the Cancer Foundation Hospital is a critical step towards addressing the gap in access to cancer treatment in Pakistan, where breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. As part of its commitment to social responsibility, Bank Alfalah aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent patients from accessing the care they need.
Addressing the Breast Cancer Crisis in Pakistan
Breast cancer rates in Pakistan are among the highest in Asia, with over 10 million women at risk. Each year, approximately 90,000 new cases are reported, leading to around 40,000 deaths. Despite the severity of the issue, awareness about early detection remains low, with only 25–30% of women understanding the importance of self-examinations and mammography screenings. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, yet the lack of widespread knowledge continues to be a significant barrier.
Bank Alfalah’s initiative aims to tackle this challenge through an awareness campaign, focusing on educating women about early detection and preventive measures. The campaign is part of the bank’s broader commitment to addressing critical societal issues through initiatives that extend beyond their core business operations. Mehreen Ahmed, Group Head of Retail Banking at Bank Alfalah, emphasized this mission, stating, “At Bank Alfalah, we believe in going beyond business operations to address critical societal issues. Breast cancer is a major health challenge, and through our partnership with Cancer Foundation Hospital, we aim to provide tangible support to women battling cancer. Our commitment extends to ensuring that financial constraints never become a barrier to receiving life-saving treatment.”
Collaboration with Roche Pakistan for Enhanced Patient Support
In addition to its partnership with Cancer Foundation Hospital, Bank Alfalah has also teamed up with Roche Pakistan, a global biotech leader known for its innovative healthcare solutions. Roche Pakistan has a long history of addressing complex health challenges, and through its Patient Support Program, the company has worked to make advanced treatments accessible to those who need them most.
Hafa Shamsie, General Manager of Roche Pakistan, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “For over 125 years, Roche, as one of the world’s leading biotech companies, has been finding innovative solutions for some of the most complex healthcare issues faced by our populations. At the same time, we have always believed that our innovative treatments are meaningful only if they reach those who need them the most. And that is why, through our Patient Support Program and our partnerships with organizations such as Bank Alfalah and Cancer Foundation Hospital, we have brought free-of-cost breast cancer treatment to thousands of women across Pakistan.”
Pinktober Awareness Initiatives for Early Detection
To further emphasize the importance of early detection, Bank Alfalah has launched a series of Pinktober awareness sessions in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum, Chughtai Lab, and the Samina Alvi Foundation. These sessions, which will be held in major cities, aim to educate women about the significance of early diagnosis and preventive care. The first session took place at Bank Alfalah’s head office in Karachi on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, featuring medical professionals and representatives from the Samina Alvi Foundation.
As part of the Pinktober campaign, Bank Alfalah’s head office has been illuminated in pink throughout October to raise awareness about breast cancer and show solidarity with those affected by the disease. This symbolic gesture is intended to draw attention to the importance of early detection and the collective effort needed to combat breast cancer in Pakistan.
A Commitment to Health and Community Well-being
Bank Alfalah’s partnership with Cancer Foundation Hospital and Roche Pakistan represents a vital step towards improving access to breast cancer treatment in Pakistan. By combining financial support with awareness initiatives, the collaboration aims to address both the immediate needs of patients and the long-term challenge of increasing awareness about early detection. With Pakistan facing one of the highest rates of breast cancer in Asia, such initiatives are crucial in bringing about positive change in the lives of countless women and their families.
Through its efforts, Bank Alfalah reaffirms its commitment to supporting community well-being and addressing critical health challenges. The bank’s focus on providing free-of-cost treatment and raising awareness demonstrates the impact that private sector initiatives can have in the fight against breast cancer, offering hope to those affected by this life-threatening disease.