LAHORE, June 18, 2026: Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore has launched its first-ever student volunteer programme to support cancer patients and their attendants while promoting community service among young people.
The programme, launched at AECH INMOL, brings together 22 students from different schools and colleges for a month-long volunteer engagement. The students will assist patients and attendants, help them navigate hospital services and support patient facilitation activities aimed at improving the overall healthcare experience.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Member Science Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, Director INMOL Dr. Arzoo Fatima Saleem, faculty members, medical professionals and representatives of educational institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi said involving young people in community service was an important step toward making healthcare more patient-friendly. He said the initiative had been designed as a pilot project and would eventually be replicated across 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals operated by PAEC across the country.
“The volunteer programme reflects our commitment to making healthcare more patient-friendly while providing young people with valuable opportunities to contribute to society,” he said.
He added that PAEC aims to expand the initiative across its cancer hospital network so that patients and their families receive timely guidance and support during treatment.
Director AECH INMOL Dr. Arzoo Fatima Saleem said the programme would also help students develop empathy, communication skills, teamwork and a deeper understanding of community service through direct exposure to a healthcare environment.
She said the experience would benefit both patients and volunteers, adding that certificates of appreciation would be awarded to all students after successful completion of their service.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi distributing specialized volunteer kits among the selected students, formally marking the start of their volunteer service at the hospital.
AECH INMOL is one of PAEC’s leading cancer care institutions, providing diagnostic, treatment and research services. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26, PAEC treats 80 percent of cancer patients in the country through its nationwide network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals.
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