ISLAMABAD: Kazakhstan Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin has proposed collaboration in the herbal medicines sector as medicines are highly popular in his country.

He was speaking to participants of an awareness session held in connection with World Cancer Day at Maroof International Hospital.

Mr Yerzhan Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan`s interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan in healthcare, medical research and pharmaceutical development.

He highlighted the potential for joint investment in hospital infrastructure, digital health technologies and exchange programmes for doctors and medical students.

Dr Yasser Rehman, a US-trained oncologist at the hospital, delivered a presentation on cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment advancements.

Speaker Haroon Naseer highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that Pakistan records over 185,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast cancer being the most prevalent, affecting one in nine women.

He stressed that timely screening and lifestyle modifications could prevent up to 40 percent of cancer-related deaths.

He emphasised the importance of crossborder collaboration between Pakistan and Kazakhstan in healthcare. He outlined key areas for cooperation, including medical education, partnerships between universities in both countries, establish nursing schools to enhance professional training and joint cancer research and initiatives.