In a major leap for public healthcare in Pakistan, Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) is now equipped to

deliver instant biopsy reports during cancer surgeries – a revolutionary step that brings cutting-edge diagnostic technology to the public sector for the first time.

With the introduction of confocal instant digital pathology systems, doctors at JPMC can now analyze tumor samples in real-time while the patient is still in the operating room. This means no more agonizing two-week waits for biopsy results, and no more second surgeries due to delayed diagnoses.

Thanks to support from the Sindh government under its Annual Development Programme, two units of this advanced technology, costing approximately Rs. 366 million, are being installed at JPMC. One unit will enhance the hospital’s surgical complex, benefiting departments like general surgery, orthopedics,

ENT, and thoracic surgery. The second will support women’s health procedures in the gynecology ward.

Why This Matters

Until now, such technology was only available in high-end private hospitals, accessible only to those who could afford hefty medical bills. This move levels the playing field, giving low- and middle-income patients access to

world-class cancer care.

It’s not just about speed; it’s about saving lives. By providing immediate diagnostic feedback, this system reduces the time patients spend under anesthesia, minimizes surgical risks, and speeds up treatment decisions, especially critical in cancer cases.

Training the Future of Public Healthcare

Beyond the technology itself, the initiative also includes robust training programs for JPMC’s medical and technical staff. Surgeons, pathologists, and nurses will be trained in using the system efficiently, ensuring this investment is used to its full potential.

With this milestone, JPMC isn’t just upgrading equipment, it’s raising the bar

for public hospitals nationwide. The hope is that this model can be replicated in other regions, making fast, reliable cancer diagnostics accessible across Pakistan.