Doctors at Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, have successfully performed the hospital’s first knee cancer surgery, restoring mobility to a 26-year-old patient through the implantation of an artificial knee.
Dr. Farukh, a member of the surgical team, said the patient had been diagnosed with cancer in the knee and lower leg. A joint team of orthopedic and plastic surgeons carried out the complex, four-hour-long procedure, during which the tumor was removed and a prosthetic knee implanted.
Following the surgery, post-operative tests confirmed the complete removal of cancer. Dr. Farukh added that the artificial knee—valued between Rs1 million and Rs1.1 million—was provided free of cost by the hospital. Globally, such implants function effectively for 20–25 years, offering long-term mobility. The overall surgery, worth an estimated Rs3.5 million, was conducted entirely free of charge.
The orthopedic team included Dr. Farukh, Dr. Muzaffar, Dr. Wali, Dr. Shahid, and Dr. Khushal, while the plastic surgery team comprised Dr. Agha Waseem, Dr. Mehak, Dr. Komal, and Dr. Farooq.
Separately, Pakistan has achieved another medical milestone with the development of a breast cancer prevention vaccine. The Institute of Public Health Punjab has formulated the vaccine, with discussions underway for large-scale production of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja praised the initiative, stating that the provincial government is prioritizing healthcare advancement. Medical expert Prof. Dr. Javed Akram explained that administering three doses of the vaccine to girls aged 12 would ensure lifelong protection against breast cancer, marking a significant step forward in women’s health.