The National Medical Newspaper CORONAVIRUS IN CONFIRMED CASES 3,18,266 REPORTED DEATH 6,558 PUNJAB 139,910 100,484

Pakistan’s First ISLAMABAD BALOCHISTAN Independent 17,210 15,498

Medical Periodical from GB/AJK Karachi 38,273 3,900 / 2,991 Vol. 53 No. 8 October 1-14, 2020 RECOVERED CASES Published Fortnightly Reg. No. ID. MC-153 ISSN 1728-1520 Controlled Circulation 303,063

*Stats as of 10 October, 2020 - 06:55am, Provided by Half a million President Dr Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Inside Pakistanis die of ... 02 holds online ... 04 Alvi, first lady ... 12 Coordination, Government of Pakistan ‘NATION CAN EXPECT SPIKE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES DURING WINTER’ Sindh labels PMC PM Imran Khan advocates bill as a ‘disaster’ MN Report use of face mask KARACHI - Sindh Health Minister Dr MN Report avoid a spike. All offices & ed spread of the virus and might Azra Pechuho ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister (educational) institutions must push the country to a situation recently said that the Imran Khan recently warned that ensure masks are worn," the similar to that in the West and parliament in its joint the nation could expect a spike prime minister said in a tweet. India. sitting had passed in virus cases in winter. Viruses of influenza The NCOC's data, meanwhile, the PMC bill, which had earlier been According to the data shared by (coronavirus) become more showed that the number of rejected by a majority vote in the the National critical cases Senate and was voted in when most Command and was much of the opposition members were not Operation lower than present. Centre (NCOC) expected. on COVID-19, As many as active cases, 95 ventilators which were a were in use little over 6,000 across the last month, had country out of risen to 9,425 by 1,912 Oct 4. allocated for "Compared to COVID-19. “Other than that, this bill will be a some other There was no disaster for smaller provinces states, Allah has been kind to active with the decrease in patient on the vent in Azad because it allows private medical us in Pak & spared us the worst temperature. However, experts Kashmir and Balochistan on colleges and universities to admit effects of COVID-19. There is a believe that the casual attitude Sunday, the centre's data students irrespective of their fear onset of winter could result of people and violation of revealed. Besides, there are 735 domiciled province.” in the 2nd wave. I urge everyone standard operating procedures hospitals with COVID-19 Meanwhile, Young Doctors to wear face masks in public to (SOPs) could also lead to the facilities having 753 patients. Association (YDA) Sindh strongly rejected the recently passed Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) Bill and Nobel Prize for goes to announced a province-wide protest from 5 October 2020 against the discoverers of Hepatitis C virus controversial PMC. Founder: Ayaz Mahmood MN Report These views were expressed by Publisher: M Hassan Mahmood Chairman, YDA, Sindh, Dr Omer New York - Gunilla Chief Executive: Syed Hashim Hasan Sultan, in a press conference held /MedicalNewsPk Karlsson Hedestam of at the Karachi Press Club. President, Online Editor: Haseeb Uddin the Nobel committee YDA, Sindh, Dr Yaseen Umrani, /MedicalNewsPk recently announced that Assistant Editor: General Secretary, Dr Mehboob Dr Muattar Hanif the 2020 Nobel prize in or medicine has Noonari, Vice-President, Dr Waris Honorary Advisor: been awarded to Harvey Alter, Michael Houghton, and Jakhrani, and others were also Dr Sulman Akhtur Charles Rice for discoveries about the virus that causes present on occasion. Manager Production hepatitis C. The trio's work led to treatments for the liver- & Coordination: M Irfan Ali Dr Omer Sultan said that this step medicalnewspk.com destroying disease. Advertising Manager would deteriorate the standard of Tel: 021-35833172 These discoveries have saved millions of lives worldwide SM Shakil (0300-2559344) medical education and create 021-35872289 and led to the development of drugs that cure 95 percent Business Executives problems for doctors serving abroad Khawaja Akhlaq Ahmed of people treated, the Nobel committee said. This could after the Pakistan Medical and Dental (0342-2393917) lead to the elimination of the disease. Haroon Rashid Council (PMDC) is abolished. (Islamabad: 0300-9710774) In the 1970s, Alter at the US National Institutes of Health Designing & Layout Continued on Page 08 Sh M Sadiq Ali Continued on Page 08 Prof. Dr Nazeer Khan’s citation count crosses 5000 MN Report KARACHI - Dr Nazeer Khan, Professor of Biostatistics & Director of Research, Jinnah Sindh Medical University has recently crossed 5000 attributed citations in the Google database. According to Google Scholar, 5010 citations has been attributed to Dr Nazeer Khan. Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across an Mirpurkhas: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Sindh recently held its first array of publishing formats and disciplines Provincial Council meeting here recently. The meeting was attended by the and has been regarded as the world's largest office bearers of all branches of PMA Sindh. academic search engine.

COVID-19 cases are increasing in Pakistan: ‘Half a million Pakistanis Dr Seemin Jamali die of cardiovascular MN Report KARACHI - Executive diseases every year’ Director, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Dr MN Report take care of their health. Mohammad Soomro, Seemin Jamali, said that KARACHI - The Dow Cardiovascular diseases are General Secretary, Pakistan coronavirus (COVID-19) University of Health Sciences also the rise in Pakistan due Hypertension League, Prof cases have been increasing across Pakistan, (DUHS) recently organized to which 400,000 to 500,000 Ishaq, AMS, Civil Hospital, and the concerned authorities should ensure a public awareness walk to people die of heart disease Dr Ismail Memon, Dr Rifat strict implementation of standard operating commemorate World Heart in Pakistan every year, he Sultana, Dr Najam, Dr Bari, protocols (SOPs) all over the country. Day. said. Dr Kailash participated in the Dr Seemin Jamali said that COVID-19 cases While addressing the Separate walks were walk. my rise in the coming weeks if preventive participants of the walk and organized at the Dow Ojha Prof Nawaz Lashari said that measures are not adopted on an urgent media persons, health Campus and the Civil in Pakistan, the elderly used basis. She explained that there is a risk of a experts said that heart Hospital Karachi to comply to suffer from heart diseases, second-wave of coronavirus in the country diseases are on the rise with SOPs. but unfortunately, the disease as several other countries have been facing the same issue. She said the administration of universities, colleges, and schools should follow the SOPs issued by the federal and provincial governments in this regard strictly. She said that public gatherings need to be restricted if they are unable to take precautionary measures. Dr Jamali suggested the proper monitoring of marriage halls, markets, shopping malls, and educational institutes to check the implementation of SOPs on the governments' advisory.

CONDOLENCE

The Publisher, Editor and the staff of Medical News Pakistan express their globally, affecting 25 million Chief Operating Officer, Efat is spreading rapidly among heartfelt condolences people worldwide every year. Swamir, Dr Tariq Farman, Dr the younger people due to on the sad demise of They fall prey to diseases Iftikhar, Dr Haris Alvi, and Dr smoking, including cigarettes, Dr Mohammad Ismail Saleem Memon, and die. However, in Rustam participated in the betel leaf, gutka, and Assistant Professor, Department of developed countries, a walk at the Ojha Campus mawakhana. He said that Forensic Medicine & , balanced diet and exercise while at the Dow Medical every person should get in Medical College and pray that have significantly reduced College, Chairman, the habit of walking daily to God gives his soul eternal peace and the number of deaths from Department of Cardiology, significantly reduce this enough courage to the family members the disease, but Prof Nawaz Lashari, Dow disease's prevention. unfortunately, people in University Registrar, Dr Ashar On occasion, Dr Ashar Afaq, to bear this irreplaceable loss, Amen! Pakistan do not take a Afaq, Civil Hospital, Medical Registrar, DUHS, said that balanced diet or exercise to Superintendent, Dr Noor Continued on Page 08

02 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 Prof Khubaib Shahid chosen as Sindh Health Minister new President of PIMA rejects increase in drugs prices MN Report were also elected in the same KARACHI - Prof Khubaib process, including 11 each MN Report Shahid was elected as the from Punjab and Sindh, 6 KARACHI - Provincial Minister for Health President of the Pakistan from KPK, 2 from Azad Sindh, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, rejected Islamic Medical Association Kashmir, and 1 from the increase in lifesaving medicine prices (PIMA) for the session 2020- Baluchistan. by the federal government. 22. Members from Punjab This year, the PIMA central include Prof Muhammad convention could not be held Tahir, Dr Muhammad Saleem due to the COVID pandemic, Ghauri, Prof Intizar Hussain Wahab, and Dr Ahmad while elections were held by Butt, Dr Tahir Mehmood Butt, Salman Ghauri. postal balloting. Dr Tariq Ismail, Dr Tahir From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prof Khubaib Shahid Azam, Dr Abdul Hafeez Dr Kamran Hassan, Dr graduated from King Edward Kardar, Dr Muhammad Gulshan Hussain Farooqi, Dr Medical College Lahore in Shakil, Dr Irfanullah Malik, Dr Fazle Azeem, Dr Muhammad 1997 and is currently a Arshad Munir, and Dr Fakhar Qasim, Dr Fakhar e Alam, In her statement, Azra Pechuho said that Professor of Radiology at the ur Zaman. and Dr Sajid Hanif were the federal government seems helpless Fatima Memorial Hospital Members from Sindh include elected. in the face of pharmaceutical companies Lahore. He served as the Dr Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, Dr From Baluchistan Dr Nazir and their rising drug prices. She said that President of the PIMA Punjab Kashif Shazlee, Prof Badini was elected. Dr Aftab the price hike in 94 lifesaving drugs is an Chapter from 2013 to 2015 Azeemuddin, Prof Fasih Mir and Dr Abdul Rehman injustice with the people. The federal and as Central General Hashmi, Dr Abdullah Khilji, were selected from Azad government can get relief for the masses Secretary in the 2016-20 Dr Aurangzeb Rehbar, Dr Kashmir. from drug manufacturing companies session. Gayas Ushan, Dr Syed The first meeting of the through negotiation. A total of 31 Central Ahmer Hamid, Prof Abdullah shoora will be held in mid- She said that the federal government has Executive Council members Muttaqi, Dr Abdul Rashid October 2020. Continued on Page 08 Dow Cancer Registry recorded 22,858 cases from 2010-19

MN Report 6.7%, and cancer of registered at Dow KARACHI - Expressing stomach was 4.9%. While University, which has the concern over the rising in adult females, the largest public Sector number of cancer cases in percentage of breast network of diagnostic Karachi, the Dow cancer was 53.2%, centers in the city. Since University research report cancers of the lip and oral alcohol, hot drinks like tea called on policymakers to cavity were 10.4%, cancer and coffee, and the use of devise appropriate of the esophagus was meat causes esophageal strategies for the 5.3%, cancer of colorectal cancer, it is necessary to prevention and control of was 3.3%, and non- see how much the use of cancer, as over the past melanoma skin cancer was these foods has increased ten years, 22,858 cancer 3%. In children, the in the last decade. cases have been percentage of brain cancer The report also raises registered in Dow Cancer was 15.8%, Hodgkin's concerns about the Registry in which breast lymphoma was 14.2%, growing percentage of the cancer ranked first, oral cancer of colorectal was brain and nervous system cancer, second, and 8.1 %, cancer of endocrine cancers in children over esophageal cancer, third. and related organs was the past years and Among those 22,858 15.3 and non-Hodgkin's stresses the need for cancer patients who are more to prevent oral cancers, 9,112 cancers lymphoma was 7.8 %. action. According to the not registered, but if a cancer, as the growing (39.9%) were registered in According to the research report, national-level strong system of a cancer number of cancer cases males, while 13 746 paper, lip and mouth cancer statistics are not registry is established at cannot be controlled cancers (60.1%) were cancer is at the peak available in Pakistan. The the regional level, then the without effective measures registered in females. among men in Karachi, data presented by Pakistan cancer data at the national in the right direction. In adult males, the while the report suggests at the International level can be configured. According to the report, percentage of cancers that research into Conference on Cancer in There is an urgent need to most people with oral according to their esophageal cancer is also 2018, titled Globocan- create a regular and cancer have long been prevalence is as follows: necessary to determine the 2018, was extracted from integrated system for found to be addicted to cancer of the lip and oral value of the food used. a report by the Punjab cancer patient's tobacco. cavity was 33.6%, non- This report, from the Dow Cancer Registry. registration. The report The report described the melanoma skin cancer was Cancer Registry, contains According to the report, recommends banning increasing percentage of 7.2%, cancer of the data of ten years from due to the unavailability of various types of tobacco colorectal cancer as a esophagus was 6.8%, 2010-2019. Note that the cancer data at the national products, pan, gutka, wake-up call and said that cancer of colorectal was figures are for cases level, there are still many cigarettes, sheesha, and Continued on Page 08

MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 03 Ziauddin University holds online convocation for 557 graduates

MN Report At present, the Faculty of KARACHI - Ziauddin Engineering, Science, University (ZU) conducted Technology & its first virtual convocation Management (ZUFESTM) for the 17th graduating is running engineering class of 557 students. The programs at the site. The online convocation was College of Rehabilitation broadcasted live on Sciences has also opened Facebook. its doors at Education City At the 17th convocation, and Sukkur site to students 557 students were needing admission." conferred degrees in Sharing the glorious various programs, journey of Ziauddin including MBBS, Dentistry, University, Prof. Dr. PharmD, Biomedical Pirzada Qasim stated that Engineering, Medical the Ziauddin Entity has Technology, Speech- successfully established Language & Hearing the Ziauddin University Sciences, Physical Examination Board and a , Nursing, Clinical Ziauddin School System Lab Sciences, Media which now takes into fold

Sciences, as well as three PROF. DR. PIRZADA QASIM RAZA SIDDIQUI DR. NIDA HUSSIAIN basic education to higher PhDs. VICE CHANCELLOR PRO- CHANCELLOR education. Addressing the Convocation than education, Ziauddin COVID-19 have made us opt for During the address, whilst 2020, Dr Asim Hussain, University has always believed in a virtual convocation this year, motivating and advising the fresh Chancellor, Ziauddin University, two things, one is character which is of a different nature graduates, Prof Pirzada Qasim congratulated the graduating building and second is humanity. altogether. After a six-month-long said, "Always bear in mind that students and their proud parents. With these two great weapons, closure due to the COVID-19 you are under oath to abide by He acknowledged their success graduates will be able to prosper pandemic outbreak, Ziauddin professional ethics. Carry on the by stating, "Today, will always be in life wherever they go. University has started e-Learning good work through your cherished as one of the happiest While expressing his full and successfully managed its profession. You have to pursue days of your life. For the parents, confidence, he advised students online educational activities, your professional knowledge and it has been their dream for years to work really hard. No matter including classes and experience to update and to see their children attain this which journey they embark upon, examinations. upgrade yourselves, so that value prestigious degree. For the they should make sure that the On the 17th convocation, he addition continues. I pray that you students, today marks the path they take benefits Pakistan further said that the Faculty of all may have a very bright future. beginning of a new journey. You as well as humankind. "Help the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, May Allah grant you wisdom, owe your parents the utmost society and give your best to the the Faculty of Law and the Faculty success, and a true sense of respect, not only for the mission of sustaining peace and of Eastern Medicine and Natural fulfillment of your cherished ideals upbringing but also for their hard eradicating poverty. Always Sciences are already admitting and goals." work and the sacrifices they made remain open to new possibilities students to their programs since Dr Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor, to get you a better education so and keep in mind that neither last year. Under the Faculty of Ziauddin University, awarded Sir that you can create a better success nor failure is final. Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Ziauddin Gold Medals to the top world." Opportunities still exist. Accept a full-fledged College of ten position holders for their "It is a matter of great privilege my best wishes for a very bright Education, Language Centre, and exemplary academic and honor for me to give this and successful future. We, as a the College of Languages, performance during their tenure yearly sermon on this important nation, count on you. Your Literature, and Culture has been at Ziauddin University. The medal and auspicious day when the success will lead to the successful established. recipients included Armeena Anis, students are entering a new future of the nation," Dr Asim said. "As a special mention, the Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor millennium in their lives. The year Chancellor of Ziauddin University, Faculty of Law is all set to start of (MBBS); Shiza Ahmed, 2020 has changed the entire Dr Asim Hussain motivated an LLM program soon. There Bachelor of Dental Surgery modus operandi not only of the alumni and fresh graduates by could also be a collaboration with (BDS); Muneeza Nasir, Doctor country but of the world. The saying that the differentiating Northampton University, the UK, of Physical Therapy (DPT); quicker we adapt to this new hallmarks of Ziauddin University in time to come. The Faculty of Mariyah Zahid, Bachelors of change, the better will be the graduates are many, but the Eastern Medicine and Natural Audiology and Speech-Language country, and we will be on the moral values taught to them are Sciences has already begun a Therapy (BS ASLT); Rojer Masih, way to progress," he added. what differentiate them from the Bachelor in Eastern Medicine Bachelor of Science and Nursing Encouraging the graduating rest. They learn self-discipline, Science, a 5-year degree (BSN); Anumta Riyasat, Bachelor students of 2020, Chancellor resourcefulness, and the ability program. A College of Horticulture of Science Medical Technology exclaimed: "I encourage all of you to finish what they start in spite and a College of Natural Sciences CLS (BS MT CLS); Qayyum Ali to recognize the tremendous of the challenges they encounter will be functional soon," he Shah, Bachelor of Science significance of your achievements along the way. We are partners revealed. Medical & Technology (BS MT); in making the transition from ZU for the rest of your life, and you While talking about the Sharan Birijlal, Doctor of students, to ZU graduates and will now belong to the Ziauddin development and growth of Pharmacy (Pharm.D); Munira alumni, and allow your success family. Ziauddin University, Vice- Muhammadi Zariwala, Bachelor to be a source of pride that can The Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Chancellor exclaimed, "At in Bio-Medical Engineering; give you confidence in the present Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, in Education City, Link Road, Saniya Yousuf, Bachelor of and future." his welcome address, notified that Ziauddin University was the first Science in Communication & Dr Asim further stated that other the circumstances due to to open a fully functional campus. Media Sciences (BS CMS).

04 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 PMA Sindh holds Experts stress the need of medical camps in flood-affected areas lifestyle modification to MN Report KARACHI - The Pakistan Medical prevent heart diseases Association (PMA) Sindh is organizing medical camps in different flood-affected MN Report socio-economic group. Pakistan to create awareness districts of the Sindh province to prevent KARACHI - Cardiovascular He explained that about the preventive people from waterborne diseases. disease experts said that hypertension, diabetes, measures against heart disease had become smoking, and obesity are cardiovascular diseases. the most common cause of some of the major risk factors More than 150 male and death in Pakistan, and people of cardiovascular disease and female journalists were less than 30 years of age are these risk factors are very examined at Heart Health also having heart attacks in common among Pakistani Camp where blood pressure, the country. youth. Our people are not sugar, cholesterol, Body They shared these views very fond of physical Mass Index (BMI), and ECG during an awareness session activities, sports, or any other monitoring facilities were jointly organized by the type of physical exertion. available while consultant Karachi Union of Journalists- Smoking and use of tobacco cardiologists examined the President, PMA Sindh, Dr Mirza Ali Azhar, Dastoor (KUJ-D) and Karachi are on the rise, and these patients and advised them to said that the PMA branches, including the Press Club (KPC) in factors are leading to a high shed weight by having PMA Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Mitthi, and others, are holding medical camps in the flood-affected districts of the province to prevent people from waterborne diseases. He explained that waterborne diseases afflict scores of people each year, particularly those living without safe, accessible water in developing countries. He informed that the most common waterborne diseases are gastroenteritis, diarrhea, typhoid, Hepatitis A, and others. He further informed that malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases are also collaboration with the National balanced diet and regular common in flood-affected areas. Institute of Cardiovascular exercise, quit smoking and Dr Mirza said that the PMA teams would Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, improve their lifestyle to also provide lifesaving drugs, food items, and a local pharmaceutical remain fit and healthy. and mosquito nets to those affected during firm in connection to World Experts said that most medical camps. He said that snakebite Heart Day 2020 at the KPC. journalists examined during cases are also being reported in flood- Briefing the health reporters the day-long camp were affected camps. connected to World Heart either overweight or obese; Day 2020, eminent many had their Body Mass cardiologist Prof Dr Javed Index (BMI) high or very high, Karachi reports rise Akbar Sial said that deaths while several were having due to cardiovascular disease their high blood pressure and in dengue cases in the age group of 30 to 40 high cholesterol levels. years are becoming common They were advised to avail MN Report in Pakistan due to sedentary the gymnasium facility and KARACHI - Dengue fever lifestyle and other risk factors, exercise regularly for 30 to cases on the rise in including heavy smoking. He incidence of cardiovascular 40 minutes to keep their Karachi as around said there is an urgent need disease among younger blood pressure, sugar, and 239 cases have been to transform the Pakistani Pakistanis," he added. weight within permissible reported from across the city this month nation's lifestyle to prevent Senior Cardiologist from the limits. so far. young people's deaths. NICVD, Dr Jahangir Ali Shah, They were also advised to The Vector-Borne Diseases Department He said that an alarming advised journalists to avoid shed weight by taking a of the Directorate General Health Services increase in cardiovascular smoking, saying those who balanced diet, doing regular Sindh has recorded a total of 250 dengue disease incidence is being are heavy smokers should exercise, quitting smoking, fever cases across the Sindh province, out witnessed in Pakistan for the quit smoking as it is not only and improving their lifestyle of which 239 emerged from Karachi alone last few years. Young people a strong risk factor for the to remain fit and healthy. and 11 from other divisions in September. between the age group of 30 cardiovascular disease but it Experts said that most The VBD has registered 973 dengue cases to 40 years have started dying also results in causing large journalists examined during all over the Sindh province to date, out of due to heart diseases. strokes, irreversible damage the day-long camp were which 906 were reported from the Karachi Division, 36 from Hyderabad, 12 from Prof Sail maintained that to lungs, cancer and other either overweight or obese. Mirpurkhas, nine from Sukkur, seven from nowadays, cardiovascular serious neurological and Many had their Body Mass Larkana, and three from Shaheed disease had become a psychiatric illnesses. Index (BMI) high or very high, Benazirabad respectively. disease of the poor, and Samar Iqbal Jaffri of a local while several were having The VBD recorded 252 dengue fever case people from low socio- pharmaceutical firm, high blood pressure and high in January, 125 in February, 80 in March, economic groups of the PharmEvo, said that they cholesterol levels. 31 in April, 49 in May, 70 in June, 49 in society are having heart have organized over a dozen They were advised to avail July, 67 in August, and 250 till 28 attacks and other heart-health awareness the gymnasium facility and September 2020. A death due to dengue complications of the camps in entire Karachi while exercise regularly for 30 to fever has also been reported from Karachi cardiovascular system more walks, seminars, camps, and 40 minutes to keep their blood this year. frequently as compared to the awareness activities have pressure, sugar, and weight people belonging to a higher been organized in all of within permissible limits.

MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 05 PMA warns of a second wave PIMA conducts lifesaving workshops in Pakistan of COVID-19 in Pakistan MN Report KARACHI - Conducting lifesaving MN Report of COVID-19. It has been carry it to their homes and workshops is a unique initiative taken by KARACHI - The Pakistan observed that the second spread it to older family the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association Medical Association (PMA) is wave of corona in the US, UK, members like their parents and (PIMA) for the common citizens of Pakistan very concerned about the Brazil, and other parts of the grandparents. Although it is that will be held across Pakistan. increasing number of world proved to be more lethal. difficult for teachers to The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association coronavirus cases again in The PMA believes that it is implement SOPs in children, (PIMA) has chosen around 50 mosques Pakistan for the last two time to properly manage the teachers will have to play a weeks, particularly in Karachi situation, and the government vital role in preventing the and Sindh. should take the appropriate spread of the virus in society.

It has been observed that even steps to control the situation The PMA believes that a mask across the country to conduct Basic Life after the increase in corona and stop it from worsening. should be considered the only Support (BLS) Workshops. cases, people are not wearing The government needs to vaccine against the virus until In a press release issued from the office masks and not maintaining monitor the situation closely, the unavailability of the corona of the PIMA, the objective described for social distancing. People may and if cases are increasing in vaccine. This disease enters this one of its kind activity is to guide and have perceived that there is some areas or institutions, your body through the eyes, train common citizens about the "first aid" no more corona in Pakistan. they must be locked down nose, and mouth, so avoid that can be and should be provided for It is very shocking that even again. Everybody should know touching your face and any victim of sudden cardiac or respiratory in this situation, people are not that the coronavirus is a viral washing or sanitizing your arrest especially where basic facilities to following preventive disease and spreads rapidly, hands again and again. save a precious life are not available. measures. People are so we once again request all Parents should also keep on In-charge, PIMA Lifesaving Project, Dr commonly seen hugging and people follow preventive informing their children about Abdul Aziz Memon, said that many people shaking hands with each other. measures. Educational the preventive measures of suffer cardiac arrests at home or the After the opening of all trades, institutes, hospitals, marriage the coronavirus. If we want to workplace and lose their lives due to non- businesses, government halls, and markets are more continue with our business, awareness of basic life support techniques. offices, and educational sensitive areas where SOPs education system, and other He further assured that many lives could institutions, people are least should be followed strictly. In routine work, we will have to be saved with this Cardio Pulmonary bothered to observe any educational institutions, adopt preventive measures. Resuscitation (CPR) training, which is SOPs. While the corona primary and pre-primary It is not possible to get rid of simple to learn. He explained, "CPR is an situation in Pakistan is under classes need more attention. the virus so soon. We can only emergency first-aid procedure that is control, remember that It has been observed that the win this fight if every person applied to maintain respiration and blood Pakistan is not corona free. ratio of children with COVID follows SOPs, and the circulation in a person whose breathing Pakistan is at risk of is smaller, but they can still be government is determined to and heartbeat suddenly stops." experiencing a second wave carriers of the virus who could strictly implement SOPs. This Lifesaving Project was first initiated on a large scale by the British Islamic Medical Association. Later on, it was Sindh Government allows health risk adopted by all doctors associations, including the PIMA, affiliated with the allowance for police hospital staff Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA). MN Report 26th September is marked to hold life KARACHI - The Sindh Government has allowed a health risk support sessions at mosques all over the allowance for doctors and paramedical staff of the Sindh Health world. This project is of the utmost Department working in the Police Hospital, Karachi. importance, especially for the third world According to the letter issued by the Finance Department Sindh and underdeveloped countries like to Accountant General Sindh, Karachi, giving a reference to Pakistan, where emergency services are the Home Department of Sindh's letter No. SO (Bud)HD- nonexistent in the country's far-flung areas. 3(09)2016-17, dated 17 August 2020, on the subject above. The PIMA had arranged the basics of It is apprised that doctors and paramedics staff of the Health emergency care sessions in 48 mosques Department Sindh in the Police Hospital, Karachi, have been across 16 cities in Pakistan last year. entitled to a health risk allowance from their respective cost centers.

06 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 Medical Body demands federal government to withdraw increase in drug prices

MN Report that this increase KARACHI - The Pakistan Medical would create Association (PMA) is very problems for poor concerned about the increase in patients suffering prices of 94 lifesaving drugs by from serious the federal government to ensure illnesses. He their availability in the market. said that 50 Secretary-General, Pakistan percent Medical Association (Centre), population of Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, said that the country the PMA categorically rejected this lives below the increase and said this is against poverty line; these the people's rights. He said people visit public lifesaving drugs should always be hospitals for their medical available at low prices. treatment. The conditions of public "It is very distressing that instead hospitals are deplorable. The unavailable at stores and are sold and cutting import duties of the of providing relief to the masses, are not available at in black. This makes people tense. raw material for drug the government has increased the these hospitals, and people are It is the responsibility of the manufacturing and packaging. medicine prices, which were compelled to buy medicines from government to ensure the Vaccines and raw material for already out of the reach of the medical stores outside the availability of essential drugs in medicine should be produced in poor people. The painful aspect hospitals. the market. the country. Fake, counterfeit of this development is that the He said it is the responsibility of He suggested that the drugs, and medicine smuggling prices of lifesaving drugs have the government to improve these government should ponder some should be eliminated on a priority been increased. In such facilities. The government should other ways to minimize the effect basis. conditions, when health facilities provide free medicines to all the of low prices of these medicines He demanded the federal are scarce at public hospitals, this patients coming to government- and to provide relief to the government to review its decision increment of medicine prices will run hospitals. Often essential manufacturers. It could be done and withdraw this increment of add to the misery of the people," drugs like blood pressure and by supporting pharmaceutical drug prices to ease the difficulties he added. Dr Qaisar Sajjad said antipsychotic drugs are companies through reducing taxes of the poor. JSMU Alumni Medico-Legal Centres established demands early arrest at Saudabad and Korangi hospitals of Dr Amtul killers MN Report MN Report KARACHI - Medico-Legal Department KARACHI - A meeting of the Alumni of Karachi has decided to make the Association of the Jinnah Sindh Medical Medico-Legal Centre operational at the University (JSMU) was held to condole the Sindh Government Hospital Saudabad tragic death of Dr Amtul Sheikh. and Sindh Government Hospital Korangi to dispose of gender-based violence as well as other legal cases within the advised time period. Presently, four medico-legal centres have been operational across the Karachi division, including the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, and Sindh Government Hospital Qatar Hospital. Karachi Police Dr Amtul Sheikh was a very vibrant, active, Surgeon, Dr Qarar Abbasi said and professional member of the JSMU that in the interest of the general alumni. She was very active in her college public and rapid response of days, participating in all healthy and medico-legal cases, two more extracurricular activities. medico-legal centres are being established in the Academically, she did her fellowship and Government Hospital Saudabad and Government was one of the leading female surgeons. It Hospital Korangi to cater to medico-legal cases is unfortunate and heartbreaking that such urgently. a humble, honest, and hardworking lady He informed that medico-legal officers (MLOs) was brutally assassinated. It is a big loss and lady medico-legal officers would be deputed for us; we are all shocked and aggrieved in these centres very soon. He said that the by this dastardly act. MLO's report containing the cause of death, They demanded the concerned authorities time of death, nature of death, and other details apprehend the culprits and give them are compiled in an official form at the time of the autopsy. He said that MLOs could provide exemplary punishments as soon as possible. direction in handling terrorism-related cases. The Alumni Association is ready to assist He said MLOs are of great significance to investigating all criminal cases, and they can the authorities if they need any help. produce better results in investigating legal cases.

MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 07 Nobel Prize for medicine ... in a joint session, after which it heart, he said, adding that 20% city's proximity to the equator as Continued from front page was sent to the president for of people in Pakistan suffer from compared to other parts of showed that a liver-damaging approval. Once the bill becomes high blood pressure, 10% from Pakistan. The other reason could disease in people given blood an act, the PMDC will be abolished diabetes, and 30% from obesity, be the increased production of transfusions wasn't due to the and replaced by the PMC. which is the leading cause of heart chlorofluorocarbons in the city over hepatitis A or B viruses and that In 2019, the PMC Ordinance was disease. the past years, which is causing an unknown infectious agent was promulgated, which abolished the In this regard, the attitude of our depletion of the ozone layer. The responsible. PMDC and terminated the society is irresponsible. After the annual growth rate of Houghton at Chiron Corporation services of 220 employees of the corona epidemic, problems have chlorofluorocarbons is 71.7% in identified antibodies to the council. Meanwhile, the Islamabad increased for people suffering from Karachi, which is not only harming hepatitis C virus, leading to the High Court declared the ordinance heart diseases. This disease the ozone layer but also causing development of a blood test in null and void and reinstated the proves to be fatal for people various types of skin diseases. 1990. This meant blood employees. suffering from heart disease. contaminated with the virus could Therefore, under normal Unqualified professionals ... be identified, preventing people Half a million Pakistanis die ... circumstances, keep a distance Continued from page 10 from being infected via blood Continued from page 02 of at least 6 feet and take a Sindh Health Department had transfusions. the coronavirus could be fatal for balanced diet. posted qualified pharmacists in Rice at Rockefeller University in heart patients, so keep a distance On occasion, Dr Noor Mohammad the hospital on vacant posts a New York developed ways of of at least 6 feet from each other, Soomro, MS, Civil Hospital, said couple of years ago. However, growing and studying the hepatitis use a mask, and exercise daily. that a 45-minute walk significantly pharmacists have been assigned C virus. His work confirmed that By following them, we will save reduces the death rate from heart to inspect the hospital's general the virus was the cause of the ourselves from the disease and disease. store items like soaps, furniture, disease, and was key to the prove to be beneficial to our loved In the end, special prayers were chairs, tubs, caustic soda, dust- development of the antiviral drugs ones and society and avoid offered for the doctors and bins, and other items. He said now used to treat it. unnecessary expenses incurred paramedics who died during the some pharmacists had been "These developments have saved on the disease. corona epidemic. deputed in the OPD pharmacy to millions of lives worldwide," said It is the students' responsibility, distribute medicines, syrups, and Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam of the teachers, parents, and everyone Sindh Health Minister rejects ... other items in visiting patients Nobel committee. in the community to guide people Continued from page 03 against their official to consume a balanced diet, failed to provide relief to the responsibilities. He said that there Sindh labels PMC bill as ... exercise daily, and lead a simple masses in the health sector, and were 42 sanctioned posts of Continued from front page life; the media is an important the government can provide these pharmacists in the hospital, and He said that the PMC would give resource in this capacity. medicines on subsidized rates. all are filled, but unfortunately, the private medical and dental On this occasion, Prof Ishaq said She further noted that the federal hospital's administration has colleges unlimited autonomy in that the use of junk food in government could control the assigned irrelevant responsibilities fixing fees and admitting students. Pakistan, relaxation, use of prices of lifesaving medicines by to them. He informed that as per He said that the YDA chapters of elevators, and other methods that relaxing taxes to pharmaceutical the rule, posting one pharmacist Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reduce physical exercise is companies. on every 50-bed ward is Baluchistan, and Sindh would increasing; we should use the necessary, but due to the lethargy observe a country-wide protest on stairs to help not only cholesterol Dow Cancer Registry recorded ... of the hospital's administration, 14 October against the passage and even sugar will be under Continued from page 03 this rule has been violated. of this controversial bill. He feared control. it is more common in developed When contacted, Chief that the future of medical and He said that we should inculcate countries because of their food Pharmacist, CHK, Jahangir dental education is at stake in the the habit of simple life and and habits. Therefore, it is Saheb, has recommended for the country after that passage of the exercise in our children from necessary to observe whether it constitution of a committee PMC bill. childhood. With moderation in the is increasing due to the growing comprising of qualified He demanded the Chief Minister diet, we can avoid any major trend of western-style foods, or pharmacists to purchase and Sindh, Chief Justice of Pakistan, problems, nowadays, even heart there is some other reason. distribute medicines to patients. and Chief of Army Staff to look diseases due to domestic According to the reports, non- He informed that software would into this matter urgently. problems. melanoma skin cancers are be launched soon to distribute Earlier, the Pakistan Medical It is increasing rapidly; proper amongst the top ten cancers in drugs in the central pharmacy, Commission Act 2020 was passed exercise provides energy to our Karachi. The reason could be the OPD pharmacy, and wards. He demanded removing all non- qualified officials from the central pharmacy and posting of pharmacists on technical vital posts. More than 150,000 dog-bite ... Continued from page 12 in Pakistan, 99% of the cases are caused by dog bites. Presently, dog bite cases are being reported from the slums areas of Ibrahim Hyderi, Korangi, Surjani, North Karachi, New Karachi, Baldia, Orangi, Keamari, Mehmoodabad, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, Sohrab Goth, Orangi, Golimar, and other areas. Children and elderly people generally fall victim to dog bites. In 2019, a total of 195,761 dog- bite cases had been registered in Sindh.

08 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 ‘Need for family PCMD initiates clinical trial on planning is high COVID-19 patients by TCM MN Report population-both male and female, in Pakistan’ KARACHI - Dr Panjwani Center for within 5th to 10th days, he said. Molecular Medicine and Drug The study is carried out after the MN Report Research, University of Karachi, has approval of the National Bioethics initiated the clinical trial of the Committee and Drug Regulatory KARACHI - Rahnuma, Family Planning Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Authority of Pakistan, he mentioned. Pakistan (FPAP) Sindh recently organized its first project "Jinhua Qinggan Granules" in The CBSCR of Dr Panjwani Center progress review meeting under the theme "Increase the Pakistan for the treatment of has also received a license from DRAP Access of Long-Acting Family Planning" in Karachi. COVID-19 mild patients. to act as a contract research Chairperson, Rahnuma, FPAP, Sindh Mehtab Akbar Rashid, Regional Director, Rahnuma, FPAP, Syed Hasan Ahmed, Program Manager, Rahnuma, FPAP, Turab Ali, Director PPD, Rahnuma, FPAP, Hasna Cheema, and others were present on occasion. Technical Advisor Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) and Focal Person Family Planning 2020/2030 Government of Sindh, Talib Lashari, could not attend the meeting. Addressing the participants, Chairperson, Rahnuma, FPAP, Mehtab Akbar Rashid said that family planning issues need commitment and seriousness from the concerned authorities of the Sindh government. She said that the lives of women in Tharparkar are very difficult, and many women die due to the unavailability of skilled workers. Mehtab Rashid said that the rising population is a big challenge for the government's high ups, and this should be tackled on an urgent basis. Program Manager, Rahnuma, FPAP, Turab Ali, said that the Rahnuma, FPAP, is a project of the UNFPA, which The Center for Bioequivalence Studies organization (CRO) to conduct clinical was launched in Chakwal, Tharparkar, Haripur, Sibi, Gilgit and Clinical Research (CBSCR), which trials for national and the international Baltistan, and Azad Jammu Kashmir to increase the works as a component of Dr Panjwani market, Prof Choudhary said, adding access of long-acting family planning methods. Center, in collaboration with the Indus that the center has already conducted Hospital, initiated a clinical trial of the clinical trials for Chinese and western Jinhua Qinggan Granules in Pakistan pharmaceutical companies. He said SFDL identifies bodies of victims as a revolutionary step in the country's this is the only clinical trial facility well of the accident near Nooriabad health care system. known for high quality and excellence Prof Dr Iqbal Choudhary, the Director in clinical research. MN Report of the International Center for Chemical Prof Dr Raza Shah said, "This KARACHI - The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), traditional medicine is the combination Laboratory (SFDL), University of Karachi, successfully University of Karachi, and of natural herbs and widely used during identified the bodies of the victims of the accident at the COMSTECH Coordinator-General, the pandemic of COVID-19 in China." superhighway near Nooriabad. expressed these views while speaking Its efficacy and safety were evaluated at a meeting held at the CBSCR on by pharmacodynamics, toxicology, Saturday. Prof. Dr. Raza Shah, phase II and III clinical studies and Incharge of CBSCR and principal used as the approved OTC drug for investigator of the study, was also the treatment of COVID-19 patients, present on occasion. he said, adding that now Jinhua Prof Choudhary congratulated the Qinggan Granules has been widely team of scientists working at the used in clinical practices in China, and CBCSR on this important development its curative effect is significant. and pointed out that the initiation of a It is pertinent to mention here that the clinical trial of traditional Chinese Vice-Chancellor University of Karachi medicine in Pakistan was a Prof Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, Prof Spokesman of the International Center for Chemical and revolutionary step in the country's Atta-ur Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in- Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, stated that the health care system, adding that the chief and Chairman of Prime Minister's samples from 14 dead bodies, along with reference samples herb-based Chinese medicine will be Task Force on Science and of blood relatives, were received from the police on 27 the treatment of COVID-19 mild Technology, Chairperson Dr Panjwani September 2020. patients. Memorial Trust Ms Nadira Panjwani, Following the direction of ICCBS Director, Prof Dr Iqbal The effectiveness and safety of the and Chairman H.E.J. Foundation Aziz Choudhary, working on the samples were immediately Jinhua Qinggan Granules will be Latif Jamal congratulated Prof Iqbal started on, and all the analyses were completed, and evaluated on 300 mild-category Choudhary and his team in recognition reports were generated in less than 48 hours. patients of COVID-19 in the Pakistani of their efforts.

MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 09 AKU launches Teachers’ Academy, the first of its kind in Pakistan and East Africa

MN Report be future leaders in their Her remarks were KARACHI: To recognize communities," said Vice reinforced by AKU excellence in teaching in Provost Dr Tashmin President Firoz Rasul, who higher education, the Aga Khamis. noted that the AKU is the Khan University has "The Academy will develop first and only institution to launched the Teachers' a community of faculty be accredited by the Higher Academy, one of the first recognized for teaching Education Academy in interdisciplinary academies excellence, who will be South Asia and East Africa. of its kind in East Africa and able to promote teaching The creation of the Pakistan. and inspire and mentor Academy will enhance "Rewarding and their peers. It will be AKU's position among the recognizing teachers developed on the top universities globally, schools." membership to the promotes excellence in foundation of outstanding stressed Dr Haile T Debas, Provost Dr Carl Amrhein Academy was made at a teaching, teaching that AKU teachers, who are chair of the Academy's lauded the launch of the virtual ceremony hosted by engages students in their recognized for their Advisory Board and chair Academy as building on the University's Network of own learning, in pursuing contribution to teaching pro tem of AKU's Board of many years of work in Quality, Teaching, and creative work and and learning in higher Trustees. "The Academy improving higher education Learning (QTL net), which innovative ideas, and in education, including those will provide tangible teaching. These efforts supports the professional reaching their full potential. who have benchmarked recognition to AKU have helped the faculty development of faculty and In the rapidly changing their practice internationally teachers, who are the transition AKU's teaching seeks to raise teaching environment that we now and attained the UK's architects and guardians online without standards across AKU's six live in, teaching excellence Higher Education Academy of the quality of teaching compromising on quality campuses around the prepares our students to Fellowship." and learning in each of its through the recent COVID- world. 19 pandemic. Teaching has The ceremony was gone beyond 'chalk and attended by a large talk' and video lectures to number of AKU faculty and involve students in active staff from Pakistan, East learning. Africa, and the United The inaugural call for Kingdom. Unqualified professionals occupy pharmacist posts at CHK MN Report KARACHI - Unqualified professionals have occupied critical posts at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) pharmacy. The CHK administration has failed to implement the Sindh Health Department policy to post pharmacists in the Central Pharmacy. Unauthorized and unqualified professionals are running the hospital's pharmacy for the past several years. ?

On the other hand, qualified pharmacists have been assigned irrelevant work by the hospital's management, which has affected drug inspection and patient care. Pharmacists have a vital role in the healthcare sector, including purchasing medicine, storing, distribution, and maintaining the quantity and quality of drugs being provided to patients. Unfortunately, these crucial duties are in the hands of ward boys, storekeepers, staff nurses, computer operators, and other non-qualified staff, while more than 35 pharmacists have been assigned irrelevant work. An administrative official at the CHK noted that the Continued on Page 08 10 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020 11 President Dr Alvi, first lady call Sindh opts for ‘Micro-Smart lockdowns’ in Karachi for breast cancer awareness MN Report KARACHI - The Sindh health MN Report campaign by giving air time to detected at early stages. department has recently asked ISLAMABAD - President Dr Arif cancer patients, survivors and She said breast cancer patients deputy commissioners and senior Alvi and First Lady Samina Alvi specialist medical experts to had around 95 percent survival police officials in Karachi to ensure recently called for raising across guide the public on the issue. rate if diagnosed at Stage 1, 90 "micro smart lockdowns" and the board awareness about President Alvi said a man- percent at Stage 2 and 60-70 breast cancer and its early inclusive approach in raising percent at Stage 3. Since Stages diagnosis to overcome mortality awareness about breast cancer 3 and 4 are more common in rate in Pakistan, the highest in was equally significant to Pakistan, therefore early South Asia. discourage social taboos about detection is important, she At an interactive session with the disease. stressed. senior journalists and anchor- He said the content related to She advised all women over 40 persons here at the Aiwan-e- breast cancer awareness would to undergo screening and Sadr, they stressed the need to be included in the syllabus of mammography and also perform implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at designated sites. In a letter, the health department told authorities that it had noticed an increase in number of coronavirus cases in Karachi. "It is, therefore, requested to deploy police force at designated MSLD sites in consultation with concerned District Health Officers," the letter read.

More than 150,000 dog-bite cases recorded MN Report KARACHI - Up to 150,000 dog- bite cases have been registered across hospitals in the Sindh province from 1st January to 30 September 2020, out of which 17,800 people fell victim in Karachi alone. According to the data released by the Sindh Health Department, more sensitize public about the lady health workers to ensure regular self-palpation to locate than 150,000 dog-bite cases have disease, particularly in October, outreach of public service any unfamiliar nodule or lump. been reported across the Sindh marked internationally as Breast message to the target audience She suggested intake of province. The majority of dog-bite Cancer Awareness Month and in far-flung areas, particularly balanced diet to minimize breast cases were reported in Karachi also known as Pinktober. women. cancer risks and adopt healthy (17,800), Naushero Feroze President Dr Alvi said in Samina Alvi urged the women lifestyle. (13,000), Khairpur (12,500), Pakistan, every year at least to be vigilant about the initial Focal person National Breast Kashmore (11,400), Dadu (11,300), 90,000 women suffer from symptoms and risk factors of Cancer Awareness Campaign, Kamber (9,100), Sanghar (8,000) breast cancer with 40,000 breast cancer as thousands lost Ministry of National Health Dr and Umerkot (7,500). deaths, thus making 45 percent their lives every year due to Ayesha Isani Majeed said the Low dog-bite cases were recorded mortality rate compared to 2 to unawareness. Federal Breast Cancer in Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Matiari, 4 percent in the world. She shared her upcoming Screening Centre at Pakistan Tando Muhammad Khan, and He said early detection of breast extensive campaign scheduled Institute of Medical Sciences Sukkar. cancer ensured much lesser to mark Pinktober, where she (PIMS) was providing free of In Karachi, out of the 17,800 cases, cost of medical treatment, but would be visiting Multan, cost walk-in facility of 6,500 dog-bite cases had been higher survival rate of the Peshawar and other cities to mammography, besides recorded at the Jinnah patient. raise awareness through oncology services under one Postgraduate Medical Centre He said a strategy was under seminars in collaboration with roof. (JPMC), around 6000 at the Dr consideration to disseminate schools, colleges and NGOs. During the interactive session, Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, breast cancer awareness Prof Dr Rukhsana Rasheed, the president and first lady 5000 in the Indus Hospital Karachi, messages through cellular public having an experience of 35 responded to the queries of and 300 in others districts hospitals. messaging and establishing a years in breast cancer surgery, journalists and also listened to Rabies is a preventable disease telephone helpline for prompt said women needed to be their suggestions regarding the transmitted to humans through the information. sensitized that breast cancer breast cancer awareness bite of infected animals. However, He stressed media's role in was "not a harbinger of death, campaign through the platform Continued on Page 08 effectively highlighting the but a curable disease" provided of media.

12 MEDICAL NEWS / October 1-14, 2020

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