Economy & Environment: Impact through Nursing and Midwifery Care

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The International Nurses and Midwives Day Conference, hosted by the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) in collaboration with the Division of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), successfully convened to commemorate the invaluable contributions of nurses and midwives worldwide. The conference, titled “Economy and Environment: Impact through Nursing and Midwifery care”, highlighted the pivotal role healthcare professionals play in shaping economies and environmental sustainability.

The conference, held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the AKU Stadium Road campus in Karachi, featured distinguished speakers and experts in the field who offered insights and perspectives on the diverse benefits of nursing and midwifery care.

Mr Noor Ahmed Samoo, Secretary, Department of Universities and Boards, Government of Sindh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. His presence added significant value to the discussions surrounding the intersection of healthcare, economy, and environment. “The efforts we see at the AKU-SONAM in the nursing and midwifery sectors have set an admirable benchmark and become a role model in the country” said Mr Samoo.

“We are grateful to the University in providing us assistance in our common cause of advancing nursing and midwifery practices across the country. According to WHO, there are 15 million vacancies globally for healthcare workers, and so it can have a huge impact on the economy worldwide.”

As Pakistan’s first private institution to establish a School of Nursing and Midwifery, the AKU-SONAM faculty has made significant contributions in the field through its outstanding academic services, research work, and awareness programmes.

Esteemed speakers delivered keynote addresses and talks, including Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH, who shared profound insights into the economic dimensions of nursing and midwifery care, stressing their role in driving positive healthcare outcomes and economic growth. Meanwhile, Ms Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer at AKUH, shed light on the critical contributions of nurses in patient care, hospital management, and healthcare system sustainability. Furthermore, Dr Tazeen Saeed Ali, Interim Dean of AKU-SONAM, emphasized the importance of nursing and midwifery education in fostering a sustainable healthcare workforce and addressing environmental challenges.

The conference provided a platform for engaging discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. Attendees actively participated in interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to further the conversation about nursing and midwifery’s impact on the economy and the environment.

“Investing in nursing and midwifery is not only beneficial for healthcare but also for society as a whole. By doing so, we invest in the health and wellbeing of the future generations, create opportunities for individuals to lead healthy, productive lives, and contribute to sustainable development,” said Dr Tazeen Saeed Ali, Interim Dean of AKU-SONAM.

“Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence are instrumental and leading, innovating, advocating and navigating best practices for a healthier future for all in Pakistan.” added Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer, AKUH.

The International Nurses & Midwives Day Conference underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of nurses and midwives in building resilient and sustainable healthcare systems for the benefit of society as a whole.

 

 

TCL JOINS HANDS WITH GHURKI HOSPITAL TO BRIGHTEN THE CHILDRENS WARD WITH GIFTS.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) TCL, Pakistan’sNo.1 LED TV brand, in a heartwarming gesture of compassion, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital. In a heartfelt display of its unwavering dedication to community enrichment, TCL Pakistan has donated two LED TVs to the Children’s Ward at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, sparking joy amongst the young patients.

The LED TVs will not only serve as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for educational programs, helping to create a more comfortable and positive experience for young patients and their families.

“We are delighted to partner with Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital in this meaningful initiative,” said Majid Khan Niazi, Director of Marketing, TCL Middle East and Africa.

“At TCL, we believe in giving back to the communities where we operate. By providing these LED TVs to the Children’s Ward, we hope to bring joy and comfort to the young patients during their time at the hospital.”

The management at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital expressed their gratitude for TCL’s generous donation, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the children under their care. This gesture reaffirms TCL’s commitment to making a difference in society and reflects its core values of empathy and compassion.

TCL continues its longstanding dedication to supporting initiatives that benefit local communities and looks forward to furthering its efforts to create a positive impact through similar activities.

Sehat Kahani and Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages Partner to Pioneer Healthcare Access in Interior Sindh, Also focusing on Minority Communities

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Sehat Kahani and Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on a momentous occasion marked by collaboration and commitment. The MOU signing took place during the Rotary International District HOPECON conference 2024 at Movenpick Hotel Karachi on April 27th. Through this partnership, Sehat Kahani and Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages aim to establish five clinics in Interior Sindh, catering mostly to individuals from very low-income Hindu communities, thereby addressing healthcare disparities and realizing the vision of creating smart villages in the region.

Commenting on the development, the CEO and Co-founder of Sehat Kahani, Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Through this collaboration, we are reinforcing our commitment to democratizing healthcare access for all, regardless of their geographic location. By leveraging innovative clinical solutions, we aspire to revolutionize primary healthcare delivery in Pakistan.”

Furthermore, the COO and Co-founder of Sehat Kahani, Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, saying, “Our e-clinics, specially tailored for low-income areas, have already begun to bridge the gap of healthcare inaccessibility. With Rotary Pakistan’s support, we are poised to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that no individual is left behind in receiving quality medical care.”

Rotary International Director Faiz Kidwai expressed his optimism about the collaboration, stating, “By focusing on sustainable loving which besides shelter also includes agriculture, cattle farming, articrafts, renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, E-learning, and increased healthcare access, Rotary is empowering rural communities with a focus on girls to mitigate their issues.”

District Governor Hanif Khan assured his district’s total support and engagement of various Rotary clubs in the region.

Furthermore, the President of the Rotary Club of Karachi, Shahzad Sabir commented,

“This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all, leaving a legacy of care and kindness for generations to come under the Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”.

With a shared commitment to service, inclusivity, and sustainable development, Sehat Kahani and Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages are set to embark on a transformative journey towards creating smart villages and empowering communities through enhanced healthcare access. This collaboration represents a testament to the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change and building a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Getz Pharma issues this statement in response to the recent dissemination of false information about its product Risek IV 40 mg injection on electronic and social media. These malicious attempts aim to undermine the brand reputation of our product. On February 12, 2024, the Federal Inspector of Drugs-IV, while conducting market surveillance in Moro, Sindh, identified counterfeit Risek 40mg IV injections at the premises of M/s Qalanari Medicos on Hospital Road, Moro, Nowsheroferoz. Samples were sent for testing, including confirmation by Getz Pharma. We confirmed the sample as counterfeit, not manufactured by us, and provided a comparative analysis report to authorities, urging action. Getz Pharma condemns the misreporting by the electronic media of the Alert issued by Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) as if our manufactured product was deemed spurious or counterfeit, requiring recall. These reports completely disregard our stance of disowning of the counterfeit sample provided in the same Alert. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to take legal action against false reporting. Getz Pharma manufactures safe and efficacious medicines in its WHO, PIC/s, and EAEU prequalified manufacturing facility. Stakeholders, including doctors, patients, chemists, and customers, should beware of misinformation and rely on credible sources. Genuine Risek 40mg IV injection is available nationwide through our authorized distributor network and can be purchased from licensed medical stores. Thank you for your continued trust in Getz Pharma and its quality medicines. We care for your health.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Noor Dental Clinic is excited to announce a pioneering collaboration with foodpanda, aimed at advancing oral health awareness throughout Pakistan. This strategic partnership has been forged in continuation to a free dental screening of foodpanda employees in Karachi, and marks a significant milestone in the clinic’s ongoing commitment to fostering healthier communities.

Through its collaboration with foodpanda, Noor Dental Clinic aims to leverage foodpanda’s extensive reach and influence to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

In addition to the two companies’ joint efforts in promoting oral health awareness, Noor Dental Clinic is pleased to extend a special benefit to foodpanda staff. As part of the partnership agreement, foodpanda employees and their families will receive an exclusive 30% discount on all dental consultation and services at Noor Dental Clinic.

Speaking on this collaboration, CEO Noor Dental Clinic, Dr. Ali Hussain Khan stated, “We are delighted to join forces with foodpanda in our shared mission to promote good oral health practices across Pakistan. Through this partnership, we hope to reach a wider audience and encourage individuals to prioritise their dental health as an integral part of their overall well-being.”

Suhaib Baloch, Director HR of foodpanda Pakistan, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “At foodpanda, we are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the health and welfare of our community. We are thrilled to partner with Noor Dental Clinic to raise awareness about oral health and provide valuable benefits to our employees. Together, we look forward to making a positive impact on the health and wellness of individuals across the country.”

As leaders in the healthcare industry, Noor Dental Clinic is dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of individuals by prioritising oral health education and access to quality dental services.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir)

Novacare Hospitals (Private) Limited announced today that it will start constructing a state-of-the-art hospital in Islamabad, and has signed an international affiliation agreement with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a leading UK teaching hospital group. The total investment in the project will be USD 110 million, and the hospital will be located on a 50-kanal (225,000 square foot) plot in DHA Phase-V, along the main DHA Expressway.

The 250-bed hospital will have a covered area of 550,000 square feet and will provide comprehensive tertiary healthcare across 28 clinical services. The hospital is being designed by HKS, a leading global design firm. It aims to become Pakistan’s first LEED, WELL, and EDGE-certified hospital which are best-in-class certifications for sustainability and users’ wellbeing. It also aims to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, to achieve high standards of clinical quality & patient safety.

Novacare is a recently established private healthcare provider in Pakistan, sponsored by the Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (part of the Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group) and managed by Andalus Holdings. Novacare aims to develop a world-class healthcare network across Pakistan and plans to open similar hospitals across other major cities of Pakistan. It will also develop satellite clinics, day surgery centers, diagnostics collection centers, medical education facilities, and a digital care navigation platform.

The leadership team at Novacare will include seasoned healthcare professionals with local and international experience. Novacare is led by Mr. Johannes (Hans) Kedzierski who has previously served as the CEO of leading hospitals in multiple geographies including Medical Center Alkmaar, Netherlands, one of the largest Dutch teaching hospitals, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, and, King’s College Hospital London in Jeddah.

The affiliation was closely supported and facilitated by the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in Pakistan, along with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in London. A signing ceremony took place in London on March 6, 2024, at the offices of the UK DBT at Admiralty House, which was attended by representatives from Imperial College Healthcare, Novacare, and the UK government.

As a result of its affiliation with Imperial College Healthcare, Novacare will benefit from the expertise of a leading UK teaching hospital group. Novacare will gain expert advisory input from Imperial College Healthcare on models of care, services, and staffing, and aims to implement their clinical standards and protocols. Through these measures, Novacare intends to achieve the same standards of healthcare as is delivered at Imperial College Healthcare’s five London hospitals.

 

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Careem, the pioneer of ride-hailing in Pakistan and Dow University of Health Sciences have announced a collaboration aimed at improving student transportation services. The partnership will offer discount packages to students as well as introduction of co-branded buses, providing convenient and affordable transportation options for students of Dow.

The collaboration was officially formalized at a signing ceremony hosted at Dow University of Health and Sciences, attended by esteemed dignitaries from Dow University of Medical Sciences and Careem. Representing Careem were, Sana Shakeel, Associate Director Business Development, Nuzair Virani, Head of Communications and Amnah Rizvi, Manager Partnerships. From Dow University of Medical Sciences, dignitaries present were Prof. M. Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Ashar Afaque, Registrar; Mr. Tariq Shahid, Director of Marketing; Mr. Umair Zafar, Manager of Marketing; Mr. Hussain Mirza from the Marketing Department; and Mr. Naeem Tahir, Head of Public Relations.

As part of the partnership, students of Dow Medical Institute will receive exclusive promo codes that offer discounted rates for multiple ride options available on the Careem app. The promo codes will offer a 25% discount, with a maximum discount of PKR 100, and will be limited to four uses per student per month.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan stated, “This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the commuting experience for students. By providing them with access to safe and reliable transportation, we aim to alleviate some of the challenges they face in their daily lives.”

Speaking at the event, Prof. M. Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor of DUHS, expressed his profound excitement for the collaboration. He remarked, “Dow University’s aim is to provide students with the best education as well as other facilities that aid them. This agreement with Careem will undoubtedly be a great link in this regard.”

Additionally, both parties have emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning of a broader partnership and agreed to explore future partnership opportunities, including initiatives related to the health of Careem’s captains, the collection of donations, and enhancing customer experience for both brands by means of improving transportation services for students, ultimately making their lives easier.

Aga Khan University’s National Health Sciences Research Symposium places evidence-based medical guidelines at the forefront of discourse.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The 25th National Health Sciences Research Symposium (NHSRS), AKU’s flagship conference, brought together national and international experts to further the dialogue on evidence-based medical guidelines. Given the pressing need for contextually relevant treatment for diseases, this conference was both timely and relevant, building upon existing work done by AKU’s Center for Clinical Best Practices (CCBP).

According to Dr Faisal Sultan, former special assistant to the prime minister on health, “it is a pleasure to be a part of this guideline development process that is being done in a structured and international validated manner with contextual appropriateness at its core. This is a great effort by AKU.”

Over 250 million people live in Pakistan, a country with a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups. The lack of standardized clinical practices is a challenge, and our reliance on global guidelines and individual physician discretion hinders our ability to address Pakistan’s unique healthcare landscape. Crucial factors such as race, ethnicity, financial resources, and other social determinants of health have the potential to introduce biases into representative datasets, leading to variability in our clinical care. Therefore, this challenging landscape underscores the critical need for targeted interventions and screening measures which are lacking in international guideline sources.

To address this challenge, CCBP collaborated with over 150 specialists over four years to review, adapt, and create transparent and robust guidelines tailored to the local context, using an internationally derived ‘GRADE-ADOLOPMENT’ process, and a diverse advisory board. This Manual of Therapeutics aims to standardize clinical practice across several healthcare sectors, offering tangible solutions for optimal patient care from primary to tertiary levels. The keynote speaker, Professor Mahmood Ayyaz, Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University, Lahore emphasized the importance of evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice and the need to close the gap in global health disparities.

“The move from disease-oriented guidelines to community-oriented contextual guidelines is key but comes with its own set of challenges that need to be addressed. The system also needs to have maintenance and improvement mechanisms embedded within in,” said Professor Maj General Sohail Sabir during his plenary talk on challenges and their solutions in the development of contextual guidelines. Professor Sabir commended AKU’s leadership and training with military hospitals to ensure maximum impact and dissemination.

Professor Dr Javed Akram, President, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine and Health Minister Punjab was also in attendance, providing crucial insights from his work as a medical professional as well as a government health official. “Health disparities exist around the world, but the issues that plague Pakistan are varied and many. The disease burden is alarming, and resources constrained with overwhelming volumes, so prevention is as important as the cure. Ethical, transparent locally adapted clinical guidelines rooted in research which integrate disease and patient oriented approaches is the way forward,” he said.

Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, President, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan; Professor Dr Rizwan Taj, President, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council; Dr Bushra Mirza, Member, Research, Development and Innovation, Higher Education Commission; Professor Dr Shabeen Naz Masood, Executive Member, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan; and Major General Irfan Ali Mirza, Hilal e Imtiaz (Military), Dean AFPGMI; and Professor Dr Shehla Naseem, Member, National Advisory Board were some of the distinguished speakers at the symposium.

The symposium consisted of presentations on guideline development for common ailments such as diabetes and hypertension, along with robust panel discussions on the impact of guidelines on healthcare, oral presentations of shortlisted abstracts, poster presentations, awards, and recognition of all the specialists who contributed to the development of the manual of therapeutics.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Vision Eye Care, an international relief organization dedicated to the prevention of blindness with a footprint in 39 countries around the world, launched its 35^th cataract surgery project, the ‘Vision Eye Camp,’ in Karachi and Lahore. Organized through sponsorships from the Parwaaz Financial Services Limited, CITI Group, Hanananum Foundation, Lotte Akhtar Beverages (Pvt) Ltd, Haimont Group, and Galleria Design, the Camp aimed to treat 600 patients and perform 150 cataract surgeries.

The Camp was organized with three distinguished ophthalmologists, Dr. Donghae Kim, Dr. Dongkwon Lim, and Dr. Mathew Akashi (Medical Director, UCH Lahore), along with four nurses and five volunteers, offering high-quality eye health services. Having embarked on blindness prevention projects in Pakistan since 2002, Vision Care has played a key role in facilitating patients facing vision impairments. In Lahore, the organization initiated public eye health services in 2006. By offering opportunities for sight restoration, Vision Care endeavors to not only conduct cataract surgeries for low-income groups but also implement eye screening programs and provide magnifiers to those who lack access to adequate medical care. Biannually, Vision Care holds the ‘Vision Eye Camp’ in Pakistan, conducting over 100 cataract surgeries each session.

Mr. Kim Kooboong, Chairman of the Korean Society in Pakistan, lauded the volunteer activities of Koreans, including the Vision Eye Camp, emphasizing their significant contribution to the friendship between both nations. He highlighted the added significance this year, as Pakistani companies actively participated in sponsoring the event.

Since its inception in 2002, Vision Eye Care has treated 24,429 patients and performed 3,277 cataract surgeries across seven regions, including Karachi and Lahore.

 

#ProteinDay, now in its fifth year, calls on individuals, businesses, and industry leaders to boost awareness about the vital role of protein in nutrition security and enhance accessibility to protein-rich foods as health solutions for citizens.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) ‘Right To Protein,’ a dedicated awareness initiative powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), unveils “Solve With Protein” as the theme for Protein Day 2024, to be celebrated on 27 February, marking its fifth year. The initiative calls on individuals, businesses, and industry leaders to unite in addressing the surging demand for protein-rich foods, delivering protein solutions that are accessible to citizens across Pakistan and the larger South Asia region.

The lack of understanding about protein as an essential macronutrient leads to inadequate levels of protein consumption. The Protein Day 2024 theme of “Solve With Protein” urges brands, thought leaders, community and health influencers, media, and citizens to amplify the message on protein’s pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more resilient population. It also aims to drive conversations and highlight solutions for citizens to stay informed of accessible protein food sources that can be included in daily diets and further the efforts to make ‘nutrition security’ a reality.

“While past governments have made some progress with several initiatives, we must collectively strive to increase awareness about nutrition and food security by incorporating adequate levels of protein into our daily diets. Recognizing protein as a fundamental macronutrient offers a pathway to address various health challenges, foster resilience, and contribute to the overall well-being of Pakistan. The #SolveWithProtein theme aims to unite professionals like doctors, nutritionists, health and fitness influencers, and others, fostering awareness about protein as a pivotal solution for improved health,” said Fareeha Talha, CEO, Fartal Pharmaceuticals, Vice President of the World Poultry Science Association, Nominee for HungerCon 2023

“At U.S. Soy, we are committed to meeting the ever-growing demand for nutrition worldwide. We remain at the forefront of efforts to advance the prosperity of communities and individuals while delivering high-quality, consistent, and reliable products and ingredients. By offering innovative solutions to the multifaceted challenges of businesses and consumers alike, we aim to streamline the supply chain for maximum efficiency. As the driving force behind the ‘Right To Protein’ initiative, we proudly endorse this year’s theme of #SolveWithProtein. It is a powerful call to action for not just industry stakeholders but for us as individuals to unite in fostering a healthier, protein-conscious society throughout South Asia and beyond,” said Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of U.S. Soy Marketing & Sustainability – South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA), U.S. Soybean Export Council

Right To Protein is all set to celebrate Protein Day 2024 on February 27 with supporters such as nutritionists, food industry experts, chefs, food brands and like-minded citizens to come together to increase protein awareness and consumption in every meal.

Right To Protein urges everyone to join in on February 27, 2024 in celebrating Protein Day and encourages all to challenge nutritional gaps in our everyday lives with awareness and aim to “Solve With Protein.”