Oncogen Pharma’s inaugural oncology summit, titled Affordable Cancer Care with Excellence, Sustainability, and Standards, signaled a significant push towards self-sufficiency in Pakistan’s cancer treatment landscape.
The Karachi gathering united over 100 prominent oncologists, hematologists, researchers, and policymakers to address the pressing need for accessible and sustainable cancer care within the nation.
Distinguished medical professionals, including Prof. Dr. Adnan A. Jabbar, Prof. Dr. Abdus Samad, Dr. Kamran Rashid, and Prof. Dr. Abid Jameel, lent their expertise to the discussions, highlighting the critical need for homegrown solutions. Their collective endorsement underscored the importance of transitioning from reliance on foreign resources to developing indigenous capabilities. The conference encompassed comprehensive scientific dialogues, policy proposals, and collaborative efforts to bolster oncology services nationwide.
A pivotal moment of the summit was the unveiling of preliminary findings from Pakistan”s first national Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) study. Presented by Dr. Tahir Bashir, alongside study investigators and Principal Investigator Prof. Dr. Zeba Aziz, the Oncogen Pharma-sponsored research provides crucial local data. This information will empower oncologists throughout Pakistan to formulate more precise, evidence-based treatment approaches for CML patients. The study represents a substantial stride towards fostering a culture of real-world clinical research based on national patient information.
Oncogen Pharma”s General Manager, Junaid Yousuf, articulated the company”s ambition for a self-sustaining oncology network. He highlighted Oncogen”s status as Pakistan”s first vertically integrated oncology manufacturer, overseeing the entire production process from molecule development to finished product. This commitment ensures the provision of FDA-approved, internationally bioequivalent cancer medications at accessible prices for Pakistani individuals.
Yousuf emphasized stated, “Be Pakistan. Trust Pakistan. We have in our minds, means, and the mission. A.C.C.E.S.S 1.0 was never about showcasing a company – it was about igniting a cause.” He added, “Together, we are shaping a future where every Pakistani cancer patient has access to global-quality care, at home, without compromise.”
The summit concluded with a powerful call to action: broaden Pakistan”s clinical research foundation, champion ethical local production, and guarantee that high-quality cancer treatment becomes a fundamental right, not a privilege. Oncogen Pharma reiterated its “Vision 2026,” an ambitious national target to achieve regional self-reliance in oncology treatment by bolstering trust among patients, physicians, and the national pharmaceutical industry. The gathering marked a potential turning point in Pakistan”s cancer care journey, shifting from aspiration to tangible action.