Karachi (HRNW) — The Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN), Pakistan’s largest public cancer hospital operated under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), has inaugurated its second state-of-the-art Halcyon LINAC (Linear Accelerator) machine. This significant addition marks a major improvement in advanced radiotherapy services for cancer patients.
With the installation of the new machine, KIRAN now operates four linear accelerators, including two advanced Halcyon systems. The Halcyon machine delivers highly precise and effective radiotherapy using IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy) techniques, further enhancing treatment quality and patient care.
Currently, KIRAN provides radiotherapy to around 250 cancer patients daily, the highest daily number in any cancer hospital in Pakistan. With the addition of the second Halcyon LINAC, the capacity will increase to approximately 400 patients per day, significantly reducing waiting times for treatment.
This expansion further strengthens KIRAN’s role as the largest radiotherapy center in Karachi, demonstrating a commitment to providing accessible, high-quality cancer care to as many families as possible. Stakeholders note that the project exemplifies how hospitals, community organizations, and technology partners can collaborate to make advanced cancer care accessible to every Pakistani, regardless of financial means.
The facility was made possible through the generous support of the Kiran Patients Welfare Society (KPWS) and the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), ensuring that eligible cancer patients will receive free treatment on the machine.
The Halcyon system is equipped with advanced image-guidance technology, ensuring precise radiotherapy delivery in every treatment session. It enables accurate patient positioning and effective treatment across all tumor sites. The platform is compact and patient-friendly, designed for all types of tumors while allowing medical staff to complete treatment sessions efficiently.
Patient comfort has been given special attention. The machine includes a height-adjustable couch to ensure proper positioning, operates with minimal noise, and features cameras and an intercom for continuous communication between the patient and therapist during treatment.
Safety features include collision detection, six-point safety protocols, and daily performance checks that take about five minutes. Additional upgrades further enhance patient positioning and workflow efficiency, making treatments smoother and more effective.
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