Category: Health

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) A two-day global health conference is being kicked off here at a hotel in Islamabad from 28th December, which is going to be attended by over 1,000 medical practitioners from all over the world.

Medics International (MI), a USA-based non-profit with its main focus on global relief and health care having footprint of its work in 55 countries, is  organizing the conference being its 10th international convention.The MI being a United Nations-accredited body has been providing humanitarian and health care work in countries like Burkina Faso, Haiti, Greece, Iraq, Tanzania, and Pakistan.

2-day Global Health Conference being kicked off in Islamabad on 28th attracting 1,000 medical practitioners from outside country.

The upcoming convention will also mark the silver jubilee of the foundation of the MI by a group of like-minded expatriate Pakistani physicians in New York who were the graduates of medical colleges across Pakistan. The MI was founded at the basement of a residence in NY and quite soon it emerged as a global health care relief organization.

With participation of over a  1,000 medical professionals from United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Iraq and UAE, the upcoming convention is going to be one of the biggest conferences Pakistan has ever seen on the subject of health care, medicine, and related fields.

There are several threads of the conference namely, Medical, Surgical, Pharmaceutical,  Dental, Young Professionals Career Guidance and Women Wing axes.

Special Assistant to PM on Poverty Alleviation and  Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar and Special Assistant to PM on Overseas’ Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari will be the guests of honours of the conference.

“Previously we have organized our global conventions in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Barbados, India, Iran, Iraq and now we are coming to Pakistan for the very first time after peace and security situation of our beloved native country has improved. It is now conducive to holding such international events” said MI founder Dr Wajih Rizvi who is also a senior endocrinologist and diabetologist based in the New Jersey.

“We will be having elaborated sessions on different fields of health care profession. There is a whole army of Global Medical Experts whose goal is to transfer the latest technology to Pakistan, train the trainers and facilitate a dialogue to benefit Pakistan, the region and the world at large ” said Dr Wajih Rizvi.

“One major focus of our conference will be career counselling for medical students and graduates in Pakistan to help them chose right paths for further education and practice.  MI has been doing this for last 25 years,” he said.

He said that the conference would help modernize the public health sector of Pakistan especially the government-run basic health units and dispensaries.

A special part of the conference will be dedicated to discussing woman health and wellness issues.

Many social events will also be held on the sidelines of the conference such as a Mushaira featuring literary elites Iftekhar Arif,  Dr Pirzada Qasim and Manzar Bhopali.

GILEAD SCIENCES AWARDS MORE THAN US $ 80,000 IN GRANTS TO ADVANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN PAKISTAN

 –3 Pakistani recipients out of 136 submissions received from Community Organizations across the region–

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Gilead Sciences today announced the recipients of its 2019 Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant program, a regional grant initiative that supports community-led programs for people living with HIV in the Asia Pacific region. This was the first time non-governmental or advocacy organizations in Pakistan were invited to submit their applications for funding. Of the 15 submissions received from Pakistan, Youth Advocacy Council, Pakistan is one of the three recipients selected to receive the grant.

Through this year’s program, Gilead is awarding a total of US$1.4 million to close to 40 projects across Asia Pacific. Of this over US $ 80,000 has been distributed across the three Pakistani recipients.

Youth Advocacy Council (YAC), Pakistan has received the grant to further their efforts in HIV/AIDs prevention and increasing access to healthcare for the transgender community in Pakistan through consultative services, peer support programs along with sensitization, prevention, and education workshops with relevant stakeholders.

Commenting on the grant, Mohsin Khan, Co-Founder and interim CEO of YAC Pakistan, said, “The transgender community in Pakistan is battling severe health and economic inequality. Beside social stigma, they are facing pressing health challenges, and are largely susceptible to HIV and AIDs and other diseases. This grant will really help us to implement our innovative and integrated initiative to combat transphobic stigma and address the health challenges that these communities are facing. We are overwhelmed by the support Gilead has provided, which will enable us to engage, educate and empower the transgender community, especially the youth, and work together against social and economic injustice while creating a vibrant and inclusive society in Pakistan.”

Started in 2018, the Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant program directly supports HIV-related community-led projects. The program is part of Gilead’s broader efforts to enhance public-private partnerships in the Asia Pacific region to address the challenges facing communities affected by HIV.

This year the ‘2019 Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant’ program is seeking to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV by focusing on three priority areas: 1) access and quality of life; 2) multidisciplinary care; and 3) diversity and inclusion. The Grant aims to accelerate progress on the “Fourth 90”, which complements the “90-90-90” global treatment goals established by UNAIDS to end HIV. These targets set the goal that by 2030, 90 percent of people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 percent of people who know their HIV-positive status will be on treatment, and 90 percent of people on treatment will have a suppressed viral load. The Fourth 90 target aims to ensure that 90 percent of people living with HIV achieve a good health-related quality of life[1].

“For people living with HIV, the virus is one among myriad factors that contribute to their total health and well-being,” said Amy Flood, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences, Inc. “The Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant program recognizes the need for a broader approach to helping people with HIV live well – one that goes beyond HIV suppression – and the central role of community-based organizations in helping to address the diverse challenges that can affect quality of life, including mental well-being and HIV-related discrimination.”

A total of 136 entries were received across the Asia Pacific region during the grant application window. Gilead has expanded the grants program to 18 countries or territories in the region – nearly doubling the geographic scope from last year’s program. This is the first year Gilead has opened the grant to Pakistan.

 

 

 

‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’ launches “Safai Anthem”,

envisions the rhythm of a Saaf Pakistan

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) To instill ownership amongst Pakistanis to keep themselves and their surroundings clean, ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’ (“HSP”), powered by Dettol, has launched a new Safai Anthem. The anthem envisions a Saaf Pakistan featuring all the HSP ‘Safai Champions’ which include Fahad Mustafa and Shaniera Akram as the prime champions, along with Waseem Badami and Iqrar ul Hasan. The anthem has been sung by Asim Azhar and Aima Baig with Shuja Haider’s composition.

“Music is an impactful way to mobilize the masses”, stated Humayun Farooq, Marketing Director Health of Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan Limited – the makers of Dettol.  “Hoga Saaf Pakistan is not just a social cause that a brand supports, it’s a social movement Dettol is leading to bring the conversation around cleanliness to the forefront. In addition to the numerous hand-washing drives, public service messages and TV shows, this anthem is yet another attempt to mobilize Pakistanis so they unite and take responsibility for a healthier, cleaner Pakistan!”

“Hoga Saaf Pakistan has taken the mantle of cleaning Pakistan and changing our attitude towards solid waste, which is growing at the rate of 2% annually, ending up on our streets eventually”, stated Mr Jerjees Seja, CEO ARY Digital Network. “In partnership with Hoga Saaf Pakistan, ARY aims to inspire the citizens of Pakistan through this anthem to embrace the change and share our vision, so we can bring many people forward to play their responsibility in this noble cause.”

“Hoga Saaf Pakistan”, powered by Dettol, has been working towards driving a Saaf Pakistan through several TV shows, public service messages, clean-up and hand washing drives as well as celebrity supporters. The movement is also Dettol and ARY’s contribution to Prime Minister’s “Clean Green Pakistan” initiative launched in October last year.

 

 

Here’s Why People Are Now Preferring Natural Products

Are you worried about your hair? Do you want to go to a party and are confused about your hair? Do you want to look fabulous amongst all? If the answer to all the questions is a yes then you have reached the right place. These days one wants to look perfect but if one does not have good hair one would not feel confident about it. Having good hair is important because it does not only boost one’s confidence but also creates a good impact on the other person’s mind. They say that these days one has to come on top of everything and having a good hair scalp would definitely give one’s personality a good shape. If you don’t have good hair and you want to treat your hair with natural hair care products you are going to make the best decision as using natural hair care products does not only give one good health but also strengthens one’s hair. Let us discuss the ideas on how to utilize natural hair products to improvise the hair scalp.

Using hair dyes for the perfect look

There are many hair dyes and natural hair care products that one might find while browsing online. If you have a skin allergy to consult a consultant for making sure that the kind of product you are about to use organic roots. Always check the expiry of the product to make sure that it does not have the worst side effects. Natural hair care products include all the best ingredients, which enables one’s hair to gain strength required to improve the health of the hair scalp.

Buy Amla powder in UAE at your doorstep

Now, all you need to do is click on organicrootspk and browse through the latest categories of natural hair, hair dyes, natural hair care products, and organic roots. Organic roots are in use since the 18^th century. Apply Amla powder on the hair scalp and leave it for an hour to get the desired results. Amla powder does not only provide the shine to one’s hair but also strengthens the hair scalp.

If you have finally decided to purchase natural hair products from organicroootspk.com just be confident about your purchase. Make sure you research well about the product you wish to buy.

 

 

 

 

 

The online tutoring service industry is expanding all over the world. Why waste time outside and spend extra money when a child can easily stay at home and learn from online tutoring at home. There is no doubt that education itself has become a business for many people. Those days have gone when learning used to be simple and easy. Despite spending a lot of money on your child’s education and if you are still not satisfied with their performance you need to go for online tutoring. Now one simply needs to visit an online O/A level tutoring websites wiseaademia and find the best online tutor available all over the world.

A student does not only require counseling from a counselor but a tutor to teach all the courses in an effective way. Due to the competitive grading system, a student needs to secure good marks in every subject. If the student is worried about the career he wants to pursue one can simply find online councilors for providing the necessary counseling.

Lack of career counseling has made it hard for students to opt for the right goal for themselves. A student must connect through all over the world for choosing the best tutor who does not just help in teaching courses but also provide necessary career counseling.

In developing countries, not only students but also teachers are utilizing online tutoring services for earning good money by staying at home. China has one of the best economies in the world, but many people are looking for online tutors to learn English in China.

Let us discuss important tips on how to find the best online tutor for yourself:

Does some research work?

The very first thing one should do is to go for the required research and find the right type of tutor online. If possible, interview the tutor and take some test classes before finalizing the tutor. Students are very choosy because of the extreme pressure of studies so make sure that the tutor is friendly with students.

Set a certain budget in your mind

Always set an amount that you can afford before choosing a tutor online. It is very important for students to get tutoring from world best teachers but one needs to pay teachers online. Delaying payments might not just create a bad impression in front of the tutoring academy but will also affect the students’ learning pattern.

 

 

The Board of Directors at both Naya Jeevan and doctHERs are pleased to announce that Khaqan Sikander has been appointed as their joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1^st, 2019.

Naya Jeevan designs and delivers high impact health and wellness solutions for corporations and workers in corporate value chains while doctHERs is a digital health platform that matches the underutilized capacity of female doctors to the unmet needs of health-seekers.

The owners of both companies had been scouting the Pakistani talent pool for a dynamic, high-impact leader who can significantly accelerate the growth and sustainable impact of both Naya Jeevan and doctHERs over the coming years.

Commenting on the new appointment, Dr. Asher Hasan – the Founder and Executive Chairman of Naya Jeevan and doctHERs said:  “We are extremely confident that Khaqan will provide the type of hands-on leadership that is needed to take these early-to-mid stage companies to their full potential.”

Mr. Khaqan Sikander has over a decade of corporate experience in Pakistan, most recently as Member, Board of Directors (Healthcare) and GM of Aman Foundation, one of Pakistan’s leading social enterprises focused on health and education. He has also worked on United Nations (UN) projects in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

Over the past decade, Naya Jeevan has successfully established itself as a trusted insurance partner of corporate clients such as Unilever, Friesland Campina (Engro Foods), Shell and RB among many others. Since February 2017, doctHERs’ efforts have been focused on bridging the service delivery gap in Pakistan’s health ecosystem by connecting underutilized female doctors to underserved health consumers via digital technology. Over the past 12 months, doctHERs has impacted over a million lives, validated by its recent induction into the Million Lives Club, a global initiative supported by the Global Innovation Fund that celebrates innovators and social entrepreneurs who are scaling impact across the globe by improving the lives of those living on less than $5 a day. 

 

Moving forward, the two companies will work together as an integrated healthcare solutions provider delivering a turnkey solution to large-scale, private and public-sector entities.

About Naya Jeevan

Naya Jeevan designs and delivers high-impact, health and wellness solutions for corporations and workers in corporate value chains.The organization collaborates with large multinational corporations (MNCs) and provides low-income stakeholders in corporate value chains (suppliers, farmers, distributors, retailers, micro-retailers, factory workers and informal domestic workers, etc.) with a health and wellness plan that is co-financed by corporate partners as part of market-based, loyalty or incentive programs.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) According to reports, Pakistan has a huge number of cancer patients, approximately 170,000 people are diagnosed with the disease annually. Among other major challenges, affordability restricts access of patients to standard of care treatment. To address this impediment, Jubilee Life Insurance in collaboration with Roche Pakistan hosted an event in Islamabad to announce their partnership for the country’s first-ever Cancer Protection Plan. The ceremony was attended by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, senior management of both companies, diplomats, celebrities as well as government officials.

Under this partnership, Jubilee Life will provide cancer protection plan against wide range of cancers, from the most common to rarest types, and offers benefit amounts from 25% of the Sum Assured for Early Stage Cancer to 100% of the Sum Assured for Late Stage Cancer. Premium from the plan begins from as low as PKR 735 per annum, subject to assessment based on gender, plan term and age. The term for the plan can be between 10 to 47 years, subject to maximum age of 65 years at maturity. Under the plan Roche Pakistan will be extending its Patient Support Program to all policy holders to overcome affordability challenges in cancer treatment.

Sharing the idea behind this partnership, Mr. Javed Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilee Life Insurance said “I would like to extend my gratitude to the President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi for joining us on this auspicious occasion and extending his support towards this cause. Battling with cancer is an extremely harrowing ordeal not just for the patient, but for their entire family and loved ones. We at Jubilee Life designed this plan to provide patients with maximum aid for the healthcare aspect of the disease. We are hopeful that this will prove to be a crucial support system for all those who unfortunately have to fight cancer. I would like to extend my gratitude to Roche Pakistan on joining forces with Jubilee for this noble endeavor and together we shall continue working towards providing health safety to people across Pakistan.”

Mr. Farrukh Rehan, Managing Director, Roche Pakistan said “Jubilee Life has taken a landmark step in the healthcare insurance domain. Cancer is a life-threatening disease which not only takes a toll on patients emotionally but also financially. We at Roche Pakistan are proud to be able to contribute to this great cause which will effectively ease the burden faced by cancer patients.”

Jubilee Insurance is a global brand of Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) that offers diverse insurance solutions (life, health and general) and is the market leader among private sector life insurance companies in Pakistan. With an average growth of 38% over the last five years, it is the most profitable and valuable life insurance company on the stock exchange.

Roche is the leading Biotech company worldwide and pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. Since last 35 years, Roche Pakistan has provided truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system.

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Actor & singer Junaid Khan, attended celebrations of the childhood cancer survivors day organised by the Indus Hospital in Karachi yesterday.

The event was an ode to those patients and families who have survived the grueling battle against childhood cancer, and these real-life heroes, share snippets of their journey for the first time in public at this even.

Extremely touched by the stories, Khan said, “Today I realised what it really means to fight for your life!! Was at a loss of words when i was hearing stories of our real-life heroes, the cancer survivors, as they shared their inspirational stories of how they fought such a tough battle.”

“Felt honoured to be invited to the event as I thank the lord for all the blessings, he has bestowed upon us.” Khan further added.

Along with Junaid Khan, the event was also attended by cricketer Shahid Afridi, who was there with his daughters & actors Zahid Ahmed & Naveed Raza.

Meri Pharmacy: A one of its kind pharmacy

and health care centre now operational in Karachi

With increasing inflation, Meri Pharmacy provides a much needed relief and easy access to affordable medicines

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Meri Pharmacy has opened its flagship pharmacy and health centre in PECHS, Karachi. The centre was toured by the distinguished Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Latif Sheikh, President and CEO, Pakistan Society of Health System Pharmacists and Guest of Honor Syed Adnan Rizvi, Director, Drug Testing Laboratory of Pakistan. During the tour, guests were briefed about the variety of medicines available as well as the health care services being offered. The event was attended by the pharmacists, health care providers and Meri Pharmacy team.

Meri Pharmacy is a new concept in community pharmacy and health care services. Operating 24/7, the centre will stock medicines from all the major pharmaceuticals in the country and offer up to 15% discount on the retail price. The centre will also offer express delivery of medicines catering to emergency cases. Meri Pharmacy brings a highly convenient medicine delivery platform whereby medicine purchase orders can be placed through the website, phone call, WhatsApp and Facebook with nationwide delivery service.

“I feel honored to be a part of this initiative. Meri Pharmacy is certainly going to be a game changer in the health sector of Pakistan. They are redefining the provision of complete health care setup under one roof that is in line with the international quality and health safety standards,” said Mr. Abdul Latif Sheikh, President and CEO, Pakistan Society of Health System Pharmacists.

“The need for holistic health services is on the rise in Pakistan. The changing fast-paced lifestyle leaves people with little time to take care of their health. That’s why they are looking for easy access to medicines and health related advice. Meri Pharmacy has been introduced based on this concept, making it convenient for everyone to get affordable medicines and drug poison information. They can either visit the centre or get in touch remotely through website, social media or phone call”, said Shahrukh Butt, Head of Operations, Meri Pharmacy.

Additionally, Meri Pharmacy will have trained pharmacists with expertise in health counselling and providing drug poison information. They are ensuring the availability of authentic medicines at these centres. Currently, Meri Pharmacy centres are operational in PECHS and Malir. The flagship centre in PECHS will also continue to offer free health check-ups for community welfare.

 

 

Latest figures show over 19 million people now living with diabetes in Pakistan as the numbers continue to rise

17.1% of adult population in Pakistan now living with diabetes

 International Diabetes Federation launches 9^th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas to mark World Diabetes Day 2019

 IDF Diabetes Atlas highlights importance of preventing the condition and tackling its complications to protect individuals, families and society

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) On World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released new figures that highlight the alarming growth in the prevalence of diabetes around the world. New findings published today in the 9^th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, show that Pakistan is now in the top 10 countries for absolute increase in diabetes prevalence.

The IDF Diabetes Atlas 9^th Edition reports that the prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan has reached 17.1%, now 148% higher than previously reported. In 2019, over 19 million adults in Pakistan are estimated to be living with diabetes putting them at risk of life-threatening complications. 8.5 million of these 19 million, are undiagnosed and, as a result, may be particularly at risk.

According to International Diabetes Federation 38 million more adults are now estimated to be living with diabetes globally compared to the results published in 2017.  Globally, an estimated 463 million adults are living with diabetes and 55 million are in the Middle East and North Africa Region alone. Type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 90% of the total.

The rise in the number of people with type 2 diabetes is driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, demographic, environmental and genetic factors. Key contributors include urbanisation, an ageing population, decreasing levels of physical activity and increasing levels of overweight and obesity. For reasons which are unknown, type 1 diabetes is also on the rise.

“Diabetes is a serious threat to global health that respects neither socioeconomic status nor national boundaries,” said Prof. Abdul Basit, Director, Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology (BIDE), Karachi, and member of the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee. “The increasing prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is a wake-up call. We must do more to prevent type 2 diabetes, diagnose all forms of diabetes early and prevent complications. We must also ensure that every person with diabetes has affordable and uninterrupted access to the care they need.”

Other key global findings from the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9^th Edition reveal that Diabetes is among the top ten causes of death, with up to half of deaths occurring in people under the age of 60. The total number of people with diabetes is predicted to rise to 578 million by 2030 and to 700 million by 2045. 374 million adults have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), placing them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes was responsible for an estimated $760 billion in health expenditure in 2019. One in six live births are affected by hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP).

Diabetes has an impact on all age groups, regardless of geography and income. Globally, over 1.1 million children and adolescents are living with type 1 diabetes, while three in every four people with diabetes (352 million) are of working age (20-64 years). The rise in prevalence is putting a strain on the capacity of countries to guarantee regular and affordable access to essential medicines and appropriate care. This leaves many struggling to manage their diabetes, placing their health at serious risk.

When their diabetes is undetected or when they are inadequately supported, people with diabetes are at risk of serious and life-threatening complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation. These result in reduced quality of life and higher healthcare costs, and place undue stress on families.

Much can be done to reduce the impact of diabetes. Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, while early diagnosis and access to appropriate care for all types of diabetes can avoid or delay complications in people living with the condition.

For more information and supporting data about the national, regional and global prevalence of diabetes included in the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9^th Edition, visit www.diabetesatlas.org.