Category: Health

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday called for prevention and early diagnosis of diseases like breast cancer and water borne ailments to give people a chance to live longer healthy lives. Speaking virtually at an awareness programme arranged by Siemens Healthineers, he underlined the need for improvements in the health and education sectors of Pakistan. Despite the limited resources a developing country like Pakistan should give priority to health and education of the people, he stressed. He said preventive measures and widespread awareness was vital to prepare people against the onslaught of life threatening diseases. He said Pakistan had an experience of effectively and successfully tackling Covid 19 as compared to the neighboring country where the death rate was higher. Spreading of awareness among people was critical to keep Covid under control, he said adding people followed the advice of the government to wear masks, keep distance and take preventive measures helping the country eventually overcome the challenge. The President urged people to ensure cleanliness to stop the spread of communicable diseases. Religious scholars could play an important role by teaching the significance of hygiene during their sermons in mosques, he continued. He appreciated the efforts of Begum Samina Alvi in raising awareness about the threats posted by breast cancer to the health of women. While citing reasons for late diagnosis of breast cancer among women in Pakistan, he said women were hesitant to share information about any unusual signs which was the cause of delay in screening for breast cancer. He said those who go for early screening their chance of survival from breast cancer was 99 percent and women should undergo screening when they feel a lump in their chests. He pointed to the brain drain in Pakistan saying a large percentage of women who get higher education either prefer to stay at home or leave for better opportunities abroad which resulted in lack of availability of professionals in different fields. The President said educational institutions should ensure to provide a harassment free atmosphere to women. He said it was alarming that 10 percent population in Pakistan was suffering from hepatitis, adding due to contribution of Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation, Pakistan had almost eliminated polio however, few cases were reported along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He mentioned that rapid progress in artificial intelligence and other technology tools was making early diagnosis possible for a number of diseases. He also underscored the need for improved infrastructure for treatment of mental ailments, adding Pakistan had a low number of psychiatrists and psychologists and there should be more focus on providing treatment to people through online services. Earlier Begum Samina Alvi gave away recognition awards among health practitioners contributing to the health sector. A number of cancer survivors including prominent actor Nadia Jamil also shared their struggle with the deadly disease and their eventual recovery. The representatives of Siemens highlighted their efforts for ensuring better diagnostic facilities for patients.

Caption. Healthcare Convention dinner organizer by Siemens Healthineers at Aiwan-e-Sadr to discuss healthcare accessibility for the citizens of Pakistan.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Dr. Javed Akram, Caretaker Health Minister of Punjab has advised the people to take precautionary measures during Hajj and Eid-ul-Azha to stay safe from Covid-19, as the epidemic still exists, not gone. Addressing a press conference he said that Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) aims to spread awareness among general public to be careful while visiting sacrificial animal markets and meeting people to exchange eid greetings. He advised the parents not to take children with them to animal markets. PSIM has more than 23 chapters across the world including Pakistan and running free clinics to provide health services to marginalized segment of the society, he added. He also said that PSIM is establishing media wings in different cities of Pakistan and a senior journalist, Zahid Chowdhry will head these wings. The General Secretary of PSIM, Prof. Dr. Somiya Iqtedar said at the occasion that new Covid-19 cases were being reported therefore, people should wear mask during Eid prayers and slaughtering the sacrificial animals. There was also risk of Congo Virus during Eid season, she warned. Rains were expected to start in a week time therefore safety measures should be adoped to avoid Dengue Fever. She said if people have symptoms like fever, body pain, losing the smelling sense, they should immediately approach to following hospitals for free Covid-19 tests. Maroof International and Shifa International, Islamabad — Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi — Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi – Indus Hospital, Karachi –Sindh Infection Diseases Hospital, Karachi – Akram Medical Complex, Lahore – Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore –National Hospital & Medical Centre, Lahore and Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. Dr. Faisal Mahmud from Aga Khan University opined at the occasion that Corona Virus was no more dangerous, as considered in past due to vaccination, but still we should take care. We suggest people to be careful of their health, make sure the use of mask at public places and stay at a distance from the people who have weak immunity system to avoid Corona Virus. Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan from Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad hoped that people of Pakistan will follow the Corona SOPs while enjoying the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations as public gatherings may prove open invitation for Corona. Patients of Diabetes, Blood Pressure and other chronic diseases should take special care at Eid, he advised.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) celebrated iHope Volunteer Program’s 22nd batch of volunteers on June 23, 2023. Participants included around 80 students from various prestigious schools in Karachi, including Dawood Public School, The City School, Reflection School, Foundation Public School, DHA College and School System, Haque Academy, Indus Academy, Cedar College & School, Bay View High School, Generations, Aga Khan Secondary School, World Academy, and Beacon House. During the program, the students were divided into four groups – Rescuers, Healers, Protectors, and Helpers – and took part in various activities, including ward visits, Art Therapy, Voices Against Tobacco (VAT), CPR & first aid training, and Fire-fighting training. Apart from this, the students also attended several informative talks on art, empathy, career growth, social media, and the climate. The respected speakers included Shireen Mithani, Maida Yasmeen, Ahmed Shabbar, Mr. Yousuf, and Dr. Bilal Hassan. On the last day of the volunteer program, a closing ceremony was conducted to honor the students for their community service and to encourage them to stay life-long supporters of IHHN’s Indus Yaqeen program. Each group gave a presentation showcasing their experience interacting with IHHN’s patients and the activities they engaged in. The volunteers also gave short speeches on how the experience opened their eyes to the harsh living realities in Pakistan. Their interactions with patients and subsequent work taught them that despite their age, they can make a difference for the better in someone else’s life. At the end of the ceremony, the students were presented with certificates of participation. The closing ceremony was chief guests Dr. Farah Bari, Deputy General Manager and Head, Sheikh Saeed Medical Campus; Dr. Muhammad Amin Chinoy, Executive Director, Physical Rehabilitation Directorate, IHHN; and Ruby Salman, Head Coordinator, iHope Volunteer Program.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

METRO Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, the leading wholesale company in Pakistan, joined hands with Sundas Foundation, a not-for-profit organization striving for free-of-cost treatment of blood disorder patients, to celebrate ‘14^th June’ World Blood Donor Day 2023. This year the slogan for World Blood Donor Day was “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.”

Under the initiative, blood donation drives were carried out at all METRO Lahore Stores in which more than 85 employees participated and approximately 40,000 milliliters of blood collected. This voluntary, unpaid donation of blood and plasma will be transfused into patients fighting blood disorder diseases such as thalassemia, hemophilia, and immune deficiencies.

Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Zahra Hussain, Director Human Resource METRO Pakistan, said: “At METRO Pakistan, we encourage our employees to volunteer for noble causes such as blood donation since it is a life-saving act of solidarity with others. Also, in low-income countries like Pakistan, where patients suffering for blood diseases are unable to afford transfusion, blood donation is a huge community service.”

METRO being a socially responsible organization, continues to promote initiatives that benefit the community at large and spread a positive message for human welfare.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Sehat Kahani along with British Asian Trust, Savaira and Taskeen hosted A Stakeholder’s Sesson on behalf of  Pakistan Mental health Coalition’s Quality Standard sub-committee.

The Event was organized to unite key stakeholders involved in mental health initiatives and emphasize the importance of establishing an ethical framework that promotes effective mental health practices within the Pakistani context.

The session was honored by the presence of few major stakeholders including Dr. Karim Khawaja – Chairman of the Sindh Mental Health Authority,  Dr. Naim Siddiqi from SIUT, Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga – COO and Cofounder Sehat Kahani, Kamyla Marvi – Director Pakistan-British Asian Trust, Sanaa – Program Manager Mental Health British Asian Trust, Dr. Rubeena – Director-Training and Quality Assurance, Savaira Taha Sabri – COO and Cofounder Taskeen, and Mr. Iqbal Ahmed – Chairman of Sindh Human Rights Commissions.

The event began with an introduction given by Alina Lakhani, Wellbeing portfolio Associate Sehat Kahani. After that, an overview of the PMHC and its  Quality Standards Subcommittee was given by Dr. Rubeena and Sanaa Ahmed, where it was discussed that Mental Health Authorities have been established in Sindh, Punjab, KPK and Balochistan. However, they are still not in a position to regulate metal health services as rules and regulations have yet to be formed. It was also discussed that the Allied Health Professionals Act was passed in March 2022, was supposed to regulate the professions of Psychology and Counseling, is yet to be enforced.

Participants emphasized the urgent need to make these laws implementable. The program included workshops on key topics such as Dignity, Integrity, and Competent care in the areas of Mental Health treatment which was conducted by , Dr. Taha Sabri, Dr. Rubeena, and Sanaa Ahmed. The Program ended with a closing note by Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga who emphasized the importance of ethical concerns being essential to the overall health and wellbeing. 

Dr. Naim Siddiqi (SIUT) on this topic added,

“Ethical principles are not simply black and white; they often encompass gray areas which we as mental health experts have to navigate ensuring the patient’s best interest at hand.”

Emphasizing on the the crucial role of the commission in expediting access to mental health services and ensuring that every individual receives appropriate care, Mr. Iqbal, Chairman Sindh Human Rights Commission, pledged to upport the PMHC in all its endeavors and added,

 “Human right commission act as the bridge connecting the governing bodies and the one being governed.”

Furthermore, Dr. Karim Khawaja, Chairman of the Sindh Mental Health Authority, appreciated the event in his own words as;

“Ethical practices in Mental Health are essential for the growth and progress of any Nation and I am grateful to the entire PMH Coalition to bring both private and institutional stakeholders at one platform for the betterment of mental health”

During the event, the key stakeholders concluded that there is a pressing need to enhance the skills and knowledge of mental health professionals along with the implementation of regular renewal of training programs for mental health experts. Similarly, mental health awareness has to be raised in masses  by the active utilization of beneficiaries, and counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Moreover, Pakistan necessitates government support and funding is required for the advancement of mental health initiatives.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Pakistan hosted an interactive event to commemorate World Environment Day under the global theme “Produce, Consume, and Dispose of Plastic.” Since 1973, World Environment Day serves as a global platform to unite people and amplify the call for environmental action. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in safeguarding our planet. The event aimed to raise awareness and strengthen the discourse about the pressing need for sustainable consumption and production patterns stressing the adverse impacts on food security, marine life and ecology of Pakistan. Representatives of Government counterparts, Donor agencies, Environmental & Academic experts, and members of International Development participated in engaging discussions to explore solutions for a greener and more sustainable future. Mr. Sarmad Iqbal, (Head of Policy Advocacy IRC) and Environmental lawyer presented an insightful overview of Pakistan’s environmental outlook, challenges faced and the legal discourse for framing collective action to address pressing issues. The Guest of Honor, Ms. Romina Khurshid, (Head of the SDG Unit & Special Assistant to PM) shared insights on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, emphasizing the critical role of sustainable consumption and production in achieving these goals. She called upon introspection on our consumption patterns and on glaring social disparities. The highlight of the event was a power packed panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Rafi Ul Haq, renowned Ecologist on an encompassing a range of topics. The esteemed speakers included Dr. Khalid Waleed from (SDPI), Dr. Mazhar Hayat (Ministry of Water Resources) Sobia Asghar (NUST), Dr Asif Ahmed (ARID University) and Dr. Mukhtiar Mahar (Coastal and Deltaic Center). The session deliberations were centric to pertinent topics such as promoting inclusive and resilient human settlements, role of academia, fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns and conserving our ecosystems.The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for participants to interact and gain further insights from the experts. Ms. Shabnam Baloch, Country Director of IRC, in her closing remarks, noted that the deliberations made during the event will pave way for sustained advocacy on climate change and will lead to identifying avenues for stakeholders to collaborate on collective efforts in promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns in Pakistan. She further pledged to continue to explore creative and innovative solutions that will lead to environmentally sustainable emergency responses. The deliberations Together, we can make a tangible difference in promoting sustainable practices and creating a greener and more sustainable Pakistan.

BEHIND THE MASK: Pakistan’s First Online Interactive Documentary on Lady Health Workers.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Public Services International (PSI) announces the launch of Pakistan’s first online interactive documentary experience, providing critical insight into the lives of lady health workers who continue to stand on the frontlines of Pakistan against all infectious diseases, saving hundreds of lives, every single day.

Lady health workers are part of a government program that was developed in 1994 to provide basic health care services to underprivileged communities in rural and low-income urban areas. They have played a crucial role in polio vaccine dispensation, pre- and post-natal awareness and healthcare for rural mothers, and health education and promotion, family planning, and most recently, for COVID-19.

Divided into a series of episodes, “Behind the Mask: Pakistan” is a key episode which focuses on the struggles faced by healthcare workers specifically in Pakistan, chronicling their challenges and the impact of COVID-19 on their lives. The Pakistan episode of the documentary highlights the work of Hassena, a lady health worker [LHW] who, along with her colleagues, formed the All Sindh Lady Health Workers and Employees Union (ASLHWEU) to advocate for better working conditions and wages.

With “Behind the Mask: Pakistan”, PSI campaigns for flood relief, the restoration of the health risk allowance for health workers, provision of the service structure for lady health workers, and the cancellation of debt, including Pakistan’s sovereign debt as part of climate reparations.

Indeed, despite the critical frontline role of lady health workers in the fight against diseases such as polio, cholera, and COVID-19, they continue to face harassment, terrible working conditions, low pay, inflation and wage stagnation, lack of new hiring despite increased need, threats as polio workers, vaccines shortages and inequality, and a lack of recognition. To this end the Behind The Mask: Pakistan episode focuses on key issues such as vaccine access, wages and hiring, the service structure, and ILO Convention 190[1], which seeks to protect people from violence and harassment at work.

Since the documentary was filmed, the health risk allowance has been withdrawn for healthcare workers, despite being constantly at risk, treating patients with infectious diseases. Issues around wages and hiring along with the lack of funding for the health care sector, continue to build and the recent devastating flood has created additional health crises.

The floods have displaced at least 7.9 million people and damaged or destroyed more than 2 million houses and 1,460 health facilities wiping out a large part of the country’s agriculture. Frontline workers are struggling to address the immediate crisis of injured and displaced people while the spread of water-borne diseases and limited medical supplies continue to create further hardship. Indeed, a huge number of Lady Health Workers themselves have been affected by the flood through displacement and illness.

“Behind the Mask: Pakistan” then sheds a light on the continuous protest of Pakistan’s healthcare workers to demand the resumption of the health risk allowance, the service structure and equally the persecution of those protesting, through arrest and the use of force.

Behind The Mask: Pakistan episode can be experienced at: https://behindthemask.international/

The documentary is produced in collaboration with Workers Education and Research Organization (WERO), PSI’s partner organization in Pakistan that is strengthening and supporting the movement of lady health workers.

[1] https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C190

Latif Kapadia Memorial Welfare Trust Inaugurates Its 4th Medi-Health Clinic in Surjani Town with a mission to serve humanit.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Latif Kapadia Memorial Welfare Trust (LKMWT) has opened its fourth Non-Profit Medi-Health Clinic in Khuda Ki Basti, Surjani Town, Karachi, with a commitment to providing affordable healthcare services to underprivileged people in Pakistan. The clinic was inaugurated by legendary Mr. Anwar Maqsood, and Mr. Ahmed Kapadia, a devoted trustee of LKMWT.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Maqsood praised the high standard of medical facilities at the clinic and recalled the late Latif Kapadia’s efforts towards improving the lives of people and the community. He applauded the project and emphasized the need for more initiatives like these, saying that the people of Surjani Town and surrounding areas will now have access to good medical services within their reach and at a minimal cost.

The newly established LKMWT clinic is equipped with modern medical tools and offers free medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and medication facilities to residents of Surjani Town and adjacent areas. The clinic reflects the vision of Late Mr. Latif Kapadia to enable basic healthcare facilities for less privileged communities. The project was completed within a year of laying the foundation stone, thanks to the sheer dedication of LKMWT and its volunteers.

Mr. Ahmed Kapadia, Trustee of LKMWT, expressed his gratitude to the donors and volunteers of LKMWT for their contributions, as well as to Mr. Gulzar Mughal for providing the land for the clinic. He also acknowledged the efforts of other trustees of LKMWT, including Mr. Sabir Sami, and vowed to continue the mission of the trust by managing this welfare project and enhancing its future medical capabilities.

The LKMWT’s fourth Non-Profit Medi-Health Clinic is a testament to the trust’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare services to underprivileged communities in Pakistan, and its dedication to fulfilling the vision of its late founder, Latif Kapadia.

Founded in 2007, the trust has been providing medical care facilities to underprivileged communities. Previously, LKWMT established world-class health clinics in Shah Faisal Colony, Khokhrapar-Malir & Quaidabad-Landhi. These clinics provide medical checkups, consultations, and medications at only Rs. 40 per patient. Each year, over 120,000 patients took benefit from these Medi-Health clinics.

LKWMT has a mission to carry forward the dream of ‘Latif Kapadia’ towards bridging the gap between quality medical facilities and underprivileged groups of society. The trust will continue working for the betterment of the society by promoting education, alleviating poverty, fighting socio-economic challenges, besides paving the way for a high-quality health care ecosystem with the ambit of the trust. For details, visit www.lkmwt.org.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Dr. Ruediger Lotz, Consul General of Germany at Karachi, visited the Dowites78 Operation Theatre Complex. He was received by Prof Dr Shafiq ur Rehman, General Secretary, and the senior management of DOTs. He was accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Usman from AHK Dubai. Prof. Shafiq-u-Rehman; General Secretary DOTs welcomed and presented a brief about the projects of Dowites78 Operation Theatre Welfare Society including Foot & Wound Care Centre. He briefed the audience about the goal which is to do complicated, costly surgeries free of cost in the best equipped OT Complex. He also shared with the German Consul General, the upcoming plan of expansion for Dowites78 Foot & Wound Care Centre which is being managed together with the Dow Graduates of 1991. Dr Nasrullah Memon, Additional Medical Superintendent CHK, presented an overview of the Dr. Ruth KM PFAU Civil Hospital Karachi. The Principal, Dow Medical College, Dr. Saba Sohail, presented a brief introduction about the only Foot & Wound Care Centre of Karachi, which is catering to the local population as well as that of Balochistan and other areas of Sindh. Dr. Ruediger Lotz in his remarks said that he was impressed by the work being done by DOTs. “I am extremely excited to visit the private & public sector hospitals in Pakistan and to build a relationship in a very dynamic region,” said Consular Lotz. “I am happy to visit a hospital named after a committed doctor who was also German and to see that her legacy is being carried forward.” He and his team were taken on a visit to the OT complex where he saw an ongoing robotic surgery and also the treatment being given at the foot and wound centre. A token of appreciation was presented to Dr. Ruediger Lotz by Dr. Bilal Ahmed; Director Dots, Dr. Shafiq-u-Rehman; General Secretary DOTs and Dr. Samia Khan from Dowites Batch of 91.