Category: Health

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Greenstar Social Marketing (GSM), an independent network member of Population Services International, participated as one of the sponsors in the 9^th Annual Public Health Conference in Islamabad today. The theme of this year’s conference was “Local To Global” based on the study by Lancet Commission on investing in Health issues.

The conference was organized by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in coordination with Health Services Academy. Other organizations participating in the conference included Population Services International, Sukh Initiative and Aman Health.

Titled “Local To Global” the conference aimed to generate debate and seek policy directions on deficiency on family planning goals, investing in present and future generations through education and youth skills development by focusing on out of school children especially girls, implications of decrease sex ratio on gender issues, advocating institutional supports for old age security and advocating for increased resource allocation to sustain human resource development.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Syed Azizur Rab, CEO, GSM said “There is a need for enhanced global response to improve health and reduce inequities. Pakistan through its National Health Vision 2025 is committed to achieving health for everyone and reducing inequities. Now is the time for us to take stock of what has been accomplished and to identify promising directions and solutions to scale up and to meet global public health priorities. We are proud of participating in the conference as it has drawn upon global, regional and local lessons and has chalked the way forward which will result in better family planning initiatives in Pakistan”.

Health Services Academy, under the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan has been training public health professional and has grown steadily as the premier institute of public health in Pakistan, looking to provide more academic programmes in the near future, as well as providing an environment that focuses on excellence in academics, research, and policy-making.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Agha Welfare Trust (ADC), a CSR initiative of Agha Steel Industries Limited, recently inaugurated state-of-the-art Agha Dialysis Centre (ADC). This is the third such facility and has been established at Imam Clinic, Karachi.

The purpose-built dialysis 10 bedded unit will accommodate at least 720 dialysis per month.

ADC is committed to providing quality healthcare especially to the less privileged segment of our society. In all three facilities, beneficiaries not only receive free of cost treatment but also get rehabilitation facility which directly impacts poverty alleviation.

The first such facility was established at Bait-ul-Sukoon Cancer Hospital while the other one was at Fatimiyah General Hospital. Both the facilities have so far successfully treated 25,000 renal cases.

Speaking at the occasion, Executive Trustee of Agha Welfare Trust & CEO of Agha Steel Industries Limited, Mr. Hussain Agha, highlighted the need for such medical facilities. “Kidney failure is among the leading causes of death in the country and with only 140 fully equipped dialysis centres nationwide. There is an epidemic of renal diseases in our country today that is affecting both the rich and poor.

“Thousands of patients have to undergo regular twice- to four-times a week haemodialysis treatment that causes strain to their families who have to continuously cope with the prohibitive costs of maintaining their dialysis treatment sessions that include regular and emergency medical examinations, hospitalization and medicines. Even those who have money found it difficult because if one has a renal disease, lifetime treatment is needed.”

According to studies, as of 2018 there are 21 million people in Pakistan that are battling chronic kidney disease. 80% of patients on dialysis die within a year due to inaccessibility of proper treatment. Agha Welfare Trust aims to provide relief to this number through installation of fully equipped Dialysis Centre facilities throughout Pakistan.

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Phase 2 of the ‘Water for Women’ project, which overall seeks to replenish 200 million litres of water in the freshwater starved, arid area of Kohistan, district Thatta of Sindh has now been launched by the project partners Coca-Cola Pakistan and Indus Earth Trust. The aim of this project is to replenish ground water by harvesting rainwater for about 5,500 inhabitants of 25 villages covered by the project area. Earlier in the now completed Phase 1, the project has over-achieved the water replenishment target that was set. The Coca-Cola Foundation will be providing PKR 13.7 million as a grant for Phase 2, which will last for about one year.

The project work includes the excavation of 25 rainwater reservoirs. Installation of 10 hand pumps for use by the local communities and the distribution of 200 water wheels to the women in the target villages, who typically have the responsibility of fetching water for their families’ daily use. It also targets Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, Better Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. The soft components of the project include setting up of Community Based Organizations to empower communities and trainings to build the capacity of women local leaders.

Speaking about the project, Fahad Qadir, Director Public Affairs & Communications of Coca-Cola Pakistan explained, “Kohistan is one of the most marginalized communities in Sindh, where poverty is rampant and access to basic facilities, including clean drinking water is not available around the year. In the communities here, the women are responsible for fetching water from several kilometres away, spending about 3 hours daily in this. This not only reduces their available day time hours for productive use but also has significant negative health impacts, by carrying heavy water load on their heads. This project will vastly improve water accessibility and means the women can now use their time more productively to care for their young, increase income for the family or obtain education.” 

Coca-Cola Pakistan is already water positive by recharging 2.7 billion litres back to the communities through various projects undertaken throughout the country, against a target of 1.9 billion and will continue to deliver on the Company’s  global pledge of water conservation and protection.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Executive Committee of World Memon Organization (Pakistan Chapter )held a press conference here in Karachi press club other to inform print and electronic media about their flagship event “16^th Annual General Meeting” of leaders of Business Community and Government Ministers and high officials.

Mr. Shoaib Ismail Mangroria , Secretary General Memon Organization welcomed the press and introduced Mr. Altaf Habib Jangda, General Secretary World Memon Organization (Pakistan Chapter), Mr. Bashir Sattar Chairman Global Youth Wing World Memon Organization and Mr. Arsalan Hashmani, Vice Chairman Global Youth Wing (Pakistan Chapter).

Mr. Shoaib Mangroria said in his speech that World Memon Organization is the central organization of worldwide memon community. And That this platform does not only support memon community but humanity as a whole. He further added that memon community wherever it resides not only involves in trade but social and welfare works as well and strengthens the economy of the respective countries. He also said that currently memon community is serving in primary education, higher education, health, residency and other social sectors.

He informed that the idea of a memon community based organization was conceived in Dubai in 2001 in a session of prominent leadership of Memon Community. And in 2002 this idea translated into reality and simultaneously it was registered in United Kingdom. There are 9 chapters of WMO in the world which includes UAE, United States, Britain, Srilanka, India, South and North Africa and Pakistan. This nascent organization in 2002 has transformed in a well organized and a big platform now.

Mr. Altaf Habib Jangda, General Secretary  World Memon Organization (Pakistan Chapter) in his speech said that as per the constitution of WMO every year the annual general meeting is organized in a different country. Last time this AGM held in Karachi in 2007 and after that due to deteriorating law and order situation it could not be organized. Meanwhile these annual general meetings continued to be held in different countries. And now that finally when peace has returned 16^th General Assembly is being held here.

 Mr. Arsalan Hashmani, Vice Chairman Global Youth Wing (Pakistan Chapter) speaking to the press informed about the schedule of the event, activities, guest profile and agenda of the 16^TH AGM. He further added that events of 16^th AGM will commence from 1^st November and will last till 4^th November. In which different programs have been arranged. This includes B2B conference, Worldwide WMO member’s general assembly, Session of Board of Trustees, Ladies wing meeting, Global Youth wing programs and Memon Festival.
 
At the End Executive committee thanked the journalist community and requested media to cover the event for the maximum benefit of Pakistani community.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The phrase ‘going pink’ has recently gone from a fashion expression to something entirely different. This month has been all about various shades of pink in the air with many people celebrating strength, survival and advocacy. ‘Pinktober’ is all about bringing about awareness in a unique way so that you don’t miss it.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month means different things to different people. Especially for the people of Pakistan, where talking about sensitive issues is a taboo, women feel very strongly about the subject.

“Cancer is not a joke, it is the most fatal disease there is. What people here don’t understand is that if you don’t have the necessary information needed to fight this battle, you’re going to lose. And no one wants to lose if their life is on the line. We need to step out of our bubble where you cannot even say the words ‘breast’ and ‘cancer’ together aloud”,says Farah Mahmood, coming out of a Pinktober workshop.

Many corporations as well as NGOs highlighted Breast Cancer Awareness Month in their own ways, making sure that women of their organizations were well-informed on the topic. Men and women both attending workshops are educated about not only the consequences of the disease but also how to self-examine for early detection, which can save lives before it is too late.

PTCL, being proud of its women, hosted such a workshop as well with a breast cancer survivor who also enlightened the audience about the implications of hiding such a disease because of fear.        

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) organized a Breast Cancer Awareness drive under The Pink Club, whereby an exclusive session for all female staff and female family members of male staff was held.

The session featured the real life story of a Breast Cancer survivor, Mrs. Khanum Mumtaz Mirza, who is mother of a PTCL staff member. Mrs. Mirza talked about her journey of how she conquered the disease by undergoing the difficult process of diagnosis, treatment, surgery and post-operative care, along with the psychological repercussions of the disease.

The session also included a talk on the importance of early detection through self-examination in order to overcome the disease at an early stage, where chances of survival are relatively high. PTCL’s Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Asma Mahfooz explained the self-examination procedure and also answered questions from the audience. The session was appreciated by all audience members.

Showing solidarity to the cause, PTCL official logo was changed to pink on all social media forums, which will remain for the month of October. Besides, PTCL Headquarters in Islamabad was illuminated pink and staff members adorned the signature pink badge to pledge their support for this cause.

Hina Tasleem, GM HR Strategy and founder of The Pink Club at PTCL, stated, “Our main objective of starting ‘The Pink Club’ was to take initiatives and create awareness on the issues related to working women including health, welfare and safety at PTCL. By organizing such sessions, we ensure that our female employees remain updated and aware of pertinent health issues and measures to counter possible risks. It is our endeavor to create a healthy environment that is conducive to physical and mental well-being of our employees.”

Breast Cancer is amongst the most commonly occurring cancers for women, one in every eight women are likely to suffer from the disease in their lifetime. However, early detection can reduce the risk of fatality and provide a chance to lead a normal life.

Hosted by PTCL regional medical staff, similar awareness sessions were held at different regional offices,where female staff attended the Breast Cancer awareness events.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  A free blood screening camp for Hepatitis B and C along with Complete Blood Count (CBC) was conducted by Latif Kapadia Memorial Welfare Trust (LKMWT) for The Hunar Foundation (THF). This drive was arranged in collaboration with ISO Certified and RIQAS accredited, Doctors Lab and the Diagnostic Centre.

The blood screening camp was held at the Karachi Institutes of the THF, with the core purpose educating students and to spread awareness about the Prevention, eradication and screening of HEP B and C within the community and in addition to be also screened out for dietary and hereditary anemia, such as Iron Deficiency, B12 Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia minor.

The camps were held in two session, one on the September 22, at the Delhi Mercantile Society Technical Institute (DMSTI) boys campus, and the other at the Central Vocational Institute (CVI), girls campus on October 6.

Commenting on the occasion, Ms Naeema Kapadia of LKMWT, said, “Hepatitis has emerged as a fatal epidemic in our country in the past decade. However, there still may be hundreds and thousands of viral Hepatitis patients in Pakistan who are unaware of their status. Thousands of people lose their lives, annually in the prime of their life, who can be saved by proper screening and treatment, which is now very cost-effective.

She added that, the prime focus of this blood screening is to educate people on how easy it is to be tested. THF is committed to ensuring that their students will not only be sound vocationally but Healthy as well.

Prevention is better than Cure!

 

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE), in collaboration with Shirazi Trading, held a series of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging workshops in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The workshops, led by renowned cardiologist Dr. Saima Mushtaq, GE Healthcare’s Clinical Leaders for CT and MRI, Murat Karakoc and Dr. Ibrahim Elmogy, brought together more than 60 specialists from clinics and hospitals in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, Bahawalpur and Faisalabad for five days of lectures, case studies and hands-on training.

GE Healthcare’s MR and CT programs were delivered utilizing GE’s latest Advanced Workstation Server 3.2 clinical applications.  The training methodology combines the practical applications of scanning and post-processing functions, introduced while reviewing real case studies and reading-with-expert sessions.  Ultimately, these workshops are aimed at helping local specialists upgrade the insights and skills they need to deliver better care to patients in Pakistan. 

Murat Karakoc, Clinical Leader- CT at GE Healthcare, covered critical areas including lung nodule analysis & lung emphysema analysis, liver volume & segmentation, bone removal and vessel analysis, aneurysm analysis & hematoma measurement, brain stroke evaluation, CT colonoscopy & polyp analysis, cardiac vessel analysis and dual energy applications. 

Dr. Ibraheem Elmogy, MD, MRI Clinical Leader at GE Healthcare led sessions covering recent advances in diffuse liver diseases like hepatic steatosis, fibrosis & Iron overload, and led hands-on reviews of cases showcasing the value of advanced MRI technology in diagnosis such endemic & complicated diseases. He also covered MRI perfusion & the possibilities tractography raises for clinical application.

Farooq Saleem, CEO, Shirazi Trading, said: “These tailor-made workshops provide hands-on training using GE Healthcare’s most advanced technologies so that health professionals can enrich their knowledge. Shirazi and GE Healthcare are committed to Pakistan to bringing this innovative technology to Pakistan’s healthcare sector.”

Cardiologist Dr. Saima Mushtaq of Milan’s Centro Cardiologico Monzino, facilitated three clinical cardiac workshops, addressing clinical indication of Cardiac CT and technological developments; prognostic role of cardiac CT and plaque vulnerability; FFR-CT; CT perfusion; CMR principles, sequences, scan protocols, post-processing and clinical applications of Cardiac MRI.

Dr. Saima Mushtaq, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Cardiovascular Imaging, said: “The advances in cardiac CT and MRI technology are tremendous, and it is critically important that medical practitioners are up-to-date on the latest trends, so they can deliver higher quality care. Cardiac CT, for example, is the only method that can evaluate anatomy and a functional assessment of a stenosis in one scan. These workshops, delivered by experts, offer real value in further enhancing the standards of healthcare in the country.”

Dr. Mazhar Qureshi, Country Manager, GE Healthcare in Pakistan, added: “With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, a concentrated focus on early diagnosis and timely care is imperative to helping drive better patient outcomes. Through these workshops and similar continuous medical educational activities, we hope to highlight the potential of innovative medical technology in further advancing healthcare standards in Pakistan. GE Healthcare is committed to supporting the nation in transforming the healthcare sector, not just through the provision of technology but also through the transfer of knowledge to medical fraternity.”

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Getz Pharma in partnership with Augment Care launched the first-of-its-kind paper-less “Green Clinic”. “The use of technology in the healthcare industry offers an opportunity to improve efficiency, safety and quality of services, digitizing and implementing electronic health records is the first step in creating an information system that safely manages patient data, improves process efficiency and quality of care.” These words were expressed by Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director and CEO Getz Pharma at a signing ceremony otherday.

Speaking at the occasion the Chief Guest, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmeen Rashid also lauded the initiative and said that the Health sector in Pakistan has been struggling for many years. “In Pakistan health delivery system is run by both state and non-state authorities and many efforts have been made to improve the health system but still it is not encouraging. If small amounts of data from many patients are linked up and pooled, researchers and doctors can look for patterns in the data, helping them develop new ways of predicting or diagnosing illness, and identify ways to improve clinical care”. “It is high time we as a nation take responsibility to reduce our usage of paper. Industries all over the world are going paperless and it is a great step which Getz Pharma and AugmentCare have taken in this regard”, she added.

The project aims to bring an eco-friendly solution for healthcare in the country but will also provide patient data on one shareable platform, reduce the risk of prescription error and make the registration process more efficient.

Khalid Mahmood further said that it is essential that healthcare services go everywhere and are available to everyone and this is exactly what Getz Pharma is offering via its franchise Green Clinic. “We are hoping our small act can encourage and take this project to a larger scale so there are less chances of error during the time of diagnosis and quality care is accessible for everyone”.

Hyder Mumtaz, CEO Augment Care speaking at the launch said that “The implementation of “Electronic Medical Record” system will be a key in improving the registration and quality of health data, increasing the efficiency of clinical and management processes, increasing patient safety with the availability of their clinical information from any point of the network, and increasing the quality of care”.

Getz Pharma is a branded generic pharmaceutical company with a global outlook. The company produces and markets safe, effective and quality medicines and healthcare products aimed at improving the health and quality of life. Getz Pharma is the only company in Pakistan whose manufacturing facility is pre-qualified and approved by the World Health Organization, Geneva (WHO). Its Quality Control Laboratory is also the first and only in Pakistan to have been pre-qualified and approved by WHO. Getz Pharma’s manufacturing facility is the first and only, in Pakistan, certified and approved by the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), which comprises more than 50 participating authorities, including US FDA and European Medicines Agency, among others.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) One million rural households will receive quality health and hygiene products, as Project Hope scales up. Project Hope is an initiative founded by Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Pakistan and supported by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to ensure rural development and women empowerment in Pakistan.

To scale up Project Hope, a new entity is being set up which includes investment from Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan (the makers of Dettol, Mortein and Harpic), DFID supported Rural Support Programmes Network, and four Pakistani private sector companies which include: English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), Shield Corporation, Shan Foods and Santex. All product partners will be providing quality health and hygiene products to the women micro-entrepreneurs, sehat aapas, to help them earn livelihood as they sell these products door-to-door within their communities reinforcing good hygiene practices.

This announcement was made at a press conference by Patricia O’Hayer (Global Head of External Communications and Affairs, RB) and Laura Kelly (Head of Business Engagement for the Department for International Department in the UK) along with top management officials from all the key partners.

Patricia O’Hayer, Global Head of External Communications and Government Affairs at Reckitt Benckiser’s head office in the UK said: “Project Hope, now embarking on this journey, is the perfect model of partnership between the UK government and the private and social sectors in Pakistan. This new company will deliver three things: empower rural women who reinforce health & hygiene practices in their communities; improve hygiene standards within their villages and reduce incidences of preventable diseases like diarrhea to create a more productive society.”

Laura Kelly, the UK-based Head of Business Engagement at the Department for International Development, said, “This exciting new company brings together companies and civil society to get health and hygiene products to new markets. The approach is also helping to economically empower rural women -a real win- for business and development.”

Mark Rakestraw, Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi hosted the event at the Deputy High Commission. He said, “The UK is a strong supporter of Pakistan’s prosperity. I’m pleased that this smart new initiative is building on the ideas of RB, a UK based company, and has the potential for huge success. With financial support from the UK government via DFID, the Deputy High Commission is pleased to be supporting this initiative.”

In Pakistan, DFID is working with the Government and the private sector to strengthen institutions, deepen markets and build systems to stimulate sustainable and inclusive private sector-led economic development. The aim is to be a catalyst for change by: demonstrating successful business models which the private sector can replicate and scale-up; creating standalone institutions which will continue to help poor people long after DFID support is concluded.