Overview & Mission
The Nuclear Medicine, Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) in Islamabad is a premier government cancer treatment and nuclear medicine center. Established to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services, NORI operates under the umbrella of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and caters to thousands of cancer patients annually. It stands as one of the country’s leading centers for oncology and radiological science.
🏨 Clinical Services & Departments
- Radiation Oncology (Teletherapy & Brachytherapy)
- Medical Oncology (Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy)
- Nuclear Medicine (PET, SPECT, thyroid scans, bone scans)
- Clinical Imaging & Diagnostics (Ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans)
- Oncopathology & Laboratory Services
- Outpatient Clinics & Tumor Board Consultations
⚕️ Specialized Treatments Offered
- External Beam Radiation (Linear Accelerators & Cobalt Units)
- Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
- Radionuclide Therapy (Bone pain palliation, liver tumors)
- Chemotherapy (Solid tumors & hematological malignancies)
- Brachytherapy for cervical and prostate cancers
- Palliative care and symptom control services
🏗️ Facilities & Infrastructure
- Radiotherapy suites equipped with advanced treatment planning systems
- Dedicated chemotherapy day-care unit
- Modern nuclear medicine diagnostic lab (PET, gamma camera)
- Radiopharmacy and cyclotron facilities
- Laboratories for tumor markers, histopathology, and bloodwork
- Patient waiting lounges, counseling rooms, and palliative units
🎓 Academic & Research Role
NORI serves as a training hub for postgraduate oncology and nuclear medicine residents. It runs fellowship programs, hands-on workshops, and is actively involved in cancer research. It also contributes to regional awareness campaigns, early detection drives, and national cancer registries.
💳 Access & Affordability
- Public sector patients treated free of cost or at subsidized rates
- Available under government health schemes and welfare foundations
- Private diagnostic services available for outpatients on a fee basis
- Dedicated assistance desk for underprivileged patients
🕒 Timings & Contact Info
- Outpatient Clinics: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Emergency Oncology Services: Limited hours (in coordination with PIMS)
- Location: Near Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), G‑8/3, Islamabad
- Phone: Available via main government hospital exchange
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of cancer are treated at NORI?
NORI treats a wide range of cancers including breast, head & neck, lung, gastrointestinal, cervical, prostate, blood-related cancers, and pediatric malignancies.
Is chemotherapy available at NORI?
Yes. A full range of chemotherapy and targeted therapy protocols are administered by trained oncology teams in a supervised clinical environment.
Can I get a PET scan at NORI?
Yes. NORI offers PET/CT and SPECT scans as part of its nuclear imaging diagnostics. These are used for cancer staging and response assessment.
Do I need a referral to be treated at NORI?
Referrals are preferred from government or private hospitals, but direct walk-ins are also accepted for diagnostic and evaluation services.
What is the cost of treatment at NORI?
Treatment is heavily subsidized for public sector patients. Special support desks are available for financial aid and welfare processing.
Is radiotherapy available for all cancer types?
Yes. External beam and brachytherapy are offered for a wide variety of solid tumors using the latest radiological techniques and safety protocols.
Is NORI affiliated with any medical universities?
Yes. It is affiliated with medical training programs and supports clinical research, postgraduate education, and residency rotations.
Does NORI have a dedicated children’s oncology unit?
Yes. Pediatric oncology services include chemotherapy, diagnostics, and support care for children with solid tumors and blood cancers.
What documents are required to begin treatment?
Typically, a valid CNIC, referral notes, medical history, and any existing test reports are required for evaluation and enrollment.
📝 Summary
NORI is one of Pakistan’s most advanced public cancer institutes. With integrated services in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and oncology, it plays a crucial role in national cancer control. It combines treatment, research, and education—making it a beacon of hope for thousands of cancer patients every year.