WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Delegation Visits Indus Hospital & Health Network for GPACCM

Karachi, August 27, 2025 – A joint delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital visited the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Korangi Campus, to review the implementation of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM) initiative. The visit follows the high-level commitment made in July by the Government of Pakistan, WHO, UNICEF, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to improve access to essential chemotherapy medicines for children with cancer.

The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO, IHHN, who gave an introductory presentation on the Network’s healthcare model and pioneering work in pediatric hematology and oncology. Dr. Sadia Imran, Head of Pediatric Oncology, shared an overview of pediatric oncology services at IHHN, while Dr. Aslam Shah, Chief of Pharmacy Services, presented an overview of pharmacy services and medicine safety protocols.

Key IHHN representatives present during the visit included Dr. Muhammad Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director, Medical Services, IHHN; Dr. Rafie Raza, Consultant, Pediatric Oncology; Dr. Ashar Alam, Medical Director, IHHN, Korangi Campus; Dr. Ahmer Hamid, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Oncology; Dr. Qadir Pathan, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Oncology; Dr. Hebah Mushtaq, Program Manager, MCM – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology; Arif Ali, Head of Pharmacy Services, IHHN; Mehreen Aman, Manager, Pediatric Nursing Services, Sajid Ali Channa, Deputy Manager, Pediatric Nursing Services; Afifa Batool, Head of Marketing & Communications, CRD, IHHN; and Fawad Bin Rashid, Senior Manager – Media & PR, IHHN.

From the visiting partners, the delegation included Dr. Asim Belgaumi, Director, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Dr. Giuseppe Troisi, Program Manager, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Dr. Terence Fusire, Pharmacist, NCD Unit WHO Geneva; Dr. Azar Jihan, WHO EMRO; Dr. Dan Fang, WHO Pakistan; Dr. Qudsia Uzma WHO Pakistan; Dr. Badar Munir, WHO Sindh; and Dr. Ejaz from the Directorate General of Health Office (NCDs).

The visit featured technical discussions with IHHN experts and a guided tour of the Pediatric Oncology Unit, covering OPDs, daycare, play area, in-patient wards, high dependency units (HDUs), ICU, and pharmacy services. A detailed review of the pharmacy, warehouse, and storage facilities was also conducted to assess readiness for medicine handling, dispensing, and logistics as per GPACCM standards.

The delegation’s visit marks a crucial step in translating recent commitments into action aimed at ensuring that children across Pakistan gain improved access to safe, effective, and free-of-cost cancer treatment. IHHN remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class, free-of-cost healthcare and is honored to partner with WHO, UNICEF, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Government of Pakistan through GPACCM to bring hope and healing to young patients and their families.