The National Medical Newspaper

Pakistan’s First Independent Medical Periodical from Vol. 52 No. 15 January 15-31, 2020 Published Fortnightly Reg. No. ID. MC-153 ISSN 1728-1520 Controlled Circulation

Sindh Hospitals Mental Health Crises: Alternative Medicine: DRAP: SHC green Inside facing funds ... 02 Pakistanis rate ... 05 5th Hamdard Int'l ... 06 signals the drug ... 10 PMC approves NHS cuts the prices of new Medical 89 medicines by 15% and Dental MN Report ISLAMABAD - A notification was recently issued by the Ministry of Academic Board National Health Services (NHS) stating that the prices of 89 essential MN Report Medical and Dental Tariq as the member of the medicines have been reduced by ISLAMABAD - According to a Council and establishing the board. Principal of the Army 15pc. The ministry announced that recent notification, the Ministry PMC. Medical College would also be the reduced prices had come to of National Health Services The notification stated that four a member of the board. force with immediate effect. (NHS) had constituted an 18- members of the board from Dr Amir Bilal of Lady Reading While addressing to the media in member National Medical and public sector medical universities Hospital, , Dr Saeed Dental Academic Board were required to be nominated Sadiq Hamid of Aga Khan (NMDAB). The board would look by the provinces. Punjab has University, Karachi, and Dr Arif into the standard of education nominated Vice Chancellor of Tajammul of Allama Iqbal being followed by the Medical Medical College, , had undergraduate/post-graduate University, Prof Dr Aamer Zaman been nominated members of the medical and dental institutions Khan as the member board from public or private 15% across the country. The representing the province, while medical colleges. notification was signed by NHS nominations from other Prof Dr Tahir Aziz Ahmed of this regard, Special Assistant to secretary Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik, provinces were still awaited. Shifa International Hospital, Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar members of the board include Similarly, the provinces had to Islamabad, and Dr Khalid Mirza told that the federal cabinet the chairman of Higher nominate one each member Mehmood of King Edward had decided to decrease the prices Education Commission (HEC) from private medical universities Medical University, Lahore, had of the 89 medicines in line with the and vice president of College of or colleges. So far Punjab had also been nominated as Pricing Policy of 2018. Under the Physicians and Surgeons of nominated Principal of Shalimar members of the board. policy, prices of innovator drugs Pakistan. Medical and Dental College, Two dentists, Dr Saqib Riaz Qazi have to be decreased by 10pc three It is pertinent to mention here Lahore, Dr Zahid Bashir. Khyber and Prof Dr Syed Muhammad years after their launch in the that President Dr Arif Alvi had Pakhtunkhwa had nominated Kefi Iqbal, had also been market. However, considering all earlier promulgated an Dean of Northwest School of included in the board as its the aspects it was decided to ordinance dissolving the Medicine Prof Dr Muhammad members. Continued on Page 08 ‘Saaf Doodh, Sehat Mehfooz’: PMA

Founder: Ayaz Mahmood puts spotlight on adulterated milk Publisher: M Hassan Mahmood Chief Executive: Syed Hashim Hasan MN Report unavailability of /MedicalNewsPk KARACHI - The Pakistan Medical Association healthcare Online Editor: Haseeb Uddin /MedicalNewsPk (PMA) recently held a press conference where providers, and Assistant Editor: Dr Muattar Hanif they announced to run a campaign for the the plight of the poor masses. Honorary Advisor: availability of clean milk. The event was attended "In 2020, we have decided to run public awareness Dr Sulman Akhtur by Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, Secretary-General, PMA campaigns regarding health-related issues. We Manager Production Centre, Dr Qazi Muhammad Wasiq, Treasurer, are going to start a campaign called 'Saaf Doodh, & Coordination: M Irfan Ali medicalnewspk.com PMA, Dr S Tipu Sultan, Ex-President, PMA, Dr Sehat Mehfooz' (Clean Milk, Healthy Life) for Advertising Manager Tel: 021-35833172 SM Shakil (0300-2559344) Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, General-Secretary, PMA clean milk," they stated. 021-35872289 Business Executives Karachi, and Dr Mirza Ali Azhar, Ex- Secretary- The PMA officials said that 90% of our population Khawaja Akhlaq Ahmed General, PMA. was consuming open milk from the retailers, (0342-2393917) Haroon Rashid PMA leaders, while addressing to the press whereas only about 10% of people use packaged (Islamabad: 0300-9710774) conference, expressed their concerns regarding milk. They believed that the open milk available Designing & Layout Sh M Sadiq Ali healthcare as well as the burden of diseases, the Continued on Page 08 Hospitals facing Paramedical funds shortage, place staff protest as they step further strain on Patients up calls for MN Report were not being performed for the facing a similar situation, KARACHI - According to past several weeks. At present, The Government hospitals of reforms sources, the Sindh Health only CBC, ESR, Urea Creatinine, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Department failed to supply LFT, RBS, FBS, and a few other Mirpurkhas, Shaheed MN Report some diagnostic kits and basic tests were being done in Benazirabad, and other cities KARACHI - The paramedical chemicals used in were also facing a staff under the banner of laboratories to diagnose shortage of detection kits Paramedical Staff Joint Action diseases, putting poor to diagnose chronic Committee, had continued their patients in grave trouble. diseases. protest demonstration and sit- The largest teaching Patients were being in outside the Karachi Press institution of Sindh, the referred to private labs Club for the regularization of Dr Ruth Pfau Civil for diagnostic tests. A Gavi-vaccinators, restoration of Hospital Karachi (CHK), large number of people paramedical staff service has been facing an acute were visiting the CHK structure, cancellation of shortage of funds, and and other hospitals for recovery letter, and approval of the hospital's diagnostic facilities each 30% of the health professional administration has been unable the CHK lab. day, where the kits were not allowance summary. to conduct major tests due to the The National Institute of Child available. unavailability of these detection Health, Jinnah Postgraduate When contacted, Medical kits and chemicals. Medical Centre (JPMC), Sindh Superintendent, CHK, Dr Khadim Sources at the Central Government Lyari General Hussain Qureshi, said a tender Laboratory of the CHK noted that Hospital, Sindh Government has already been issued to only 15 basic tests were now Hospital Liaquatabad, Sindh purchase the necessary kits and being performed out of 147 tests. Government Hospital New chemicals used in the lab. He Major tests like PCR Karachi, Sindh Government informed that the situation was (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Qatar Hospital Orangi, and other expected to improve within the thyroid profile, B-12 and others government hospitals were also next two weeks.

had to carry a polio vaccination certificate. PMA finds The PMA said that they had already warned the government to pay full attention to the polio program. The ‘failure points’ weakening of the program could result Later, the protesting paramedics in us face more traveling restrictions. tried to march towards the Chief "Unfortunately, our fears turned Minister Sindh House twice, but in Polio out to be true," said PMA. law enforcement agencies foiled pertinent to mention here that their attempts at entering the Eradication the United States recently red zone. The paramedical staff generated a Level 2 travel wanted to stage a protest in alert for Pakistan and other favor of their demands. The Program polio-endemic Asian paramedical staff of Sindh had countries following the also been observing a two-hour outbreak of the crippling token strike and boycott of duties MN Report disease, declaring the life- for ten days for the approval of KARACHI - The Pakistan Medical time booster dose for adults their demands. Association (PMA), recently released a mandatory during the period of Earlier, the second session of statement, noting that polio program has restrictions imposed by the World negotiation between the deteriorated in the country, despite carrying out Health Organization (WHO). The alert representatives of paramedics over 100 rounds of vaccinations in the past decade. had been generated on the recommendations of and the Sindh Health The report noted that in 2018, with only 12 cases the US Federal Agency's Center for Disease Control Department was held at the detected all year, the polio program seemed to be and Prevention (CDC) to stop the spread of the Sindh Secretariat, but on the brink of eradicating the poliovirus. In contrast, virus to other states. The World Health Organization paramedics refused to accept in 2019, as many as 135 cases were reported from recommended that such countries required its any proposal of the Health across the country. The provincial data for 2019 residents and long-term (four weeks or more) Department without the issuance showed that 91 polio cases were reported from visitors to show proof of polio vaccination before of notification. KP, 25 from Sindh, 11 from Baluchistan, and eight leaving the country. Notably, the WHO extended The central leadership of the from Punjab. travel restrictions on Pakistanis following the recent Paramedical Staff Joint Action Unfortunately, the International Monitoring Board outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 Committee Sindh gave two days (IMB) had declared the polio program and the (cVDPV2) and wild polio-virus type 1 (WP1) cases. to the Sindh Health Department importance of delivering the polio vaccine as a The PMA had been expressing and guiding the to accept the demands of the "political football" in the country. It also observed government to work with all stakeholders, political technical and support staff; that there was a lack of political unity behind polio parties, and religious leaders to eliminate polio otherwise, a complete strike resurgence in the country, said the PMA. Pakistan from the country. "We previously suggested the would be observed across the remained under a polio-linked travel restriction government to form a special parliament joint Sindh province till their demands imposed by the World Health Organization due to committee on polio and include members from all are met. which, since 2014, every Pakistani traveling abroad Continued on Page 08

02 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 Colorectal Disease: DUHS Summit looks to future of Pre-conference workshop young ENT doctors MN Report KARACHI - "Summit for Young ENT held at Colo Con-2020 Residents" was recently held in collaboration with the Department of MN Report it possible to cure colon cancer example of this was the Diabetic ENT, Dr K M Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital KARACHI - A two-day pre- in Surgery Ward 3 of the Civil Fitness Center, which would Karachi (CHK) and the Pakistan Society conference workshop of the Hospital. Diagnostic tests were benefit both the patients and of Otorhinolaryngology at the Arag Colo Con-2020 was recently quite expensive earlier, but now, doctors. These examples must Auditorium of the Dow University of held. The event was organized with the help of former students be followed elsewhere in the Health Sciences (DUHS). Vice- by the Colorectal Disease and friends, a testing facility country. Chancellor, DUHS, Prof Mohammed Patients Welfare Association, has also been provided in the Dr Amjad Cheema said that Saeed Quraishy, welcomed the Guest Dow University of Health Civil Hospital, Karachi. only trained doctors could serve of Honor of the event, Vice-Chancellor Sciences at the OT complex of Prof Amjad added that Prof the patients better. Young of the Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Civil Hospital, Karachi. The Adeeb Rizvi had provided us doctors were our assets, but Principal of Dow Medical with a free chemo or they were not getting what they College, Prof Amjad Siraj radiotherapy facility for the needed, and whatever was

Prof Tariq Rafi. Principal, Dow Medical College, Prof Amjad Siraj Memon, Chairperson of the "Summit for Young ENT Residents," Prof Shuja Farrukh, Secretary Summit, Prof Dr Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, and Professor Iqbal Khayani also spoke on occasion. Pro-Vice- Chancellor, DUHS, Prof Zarnaz Wahid, Vice Principal, Dow Medical College, Dr Shumaila Khalid, Head of ENT Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Prof Sameer Qureshi, senior Memon chaired the conference. patients. Foreign colorectal being done for them was not ENT experts from all teaching Famous social activist, Faisal experts were being called to sufficient in such advanced era. universities, along with a large number Edhi, Colorectal Surgeon from familiarize young doctors with As a result, frustration was on of students attended the summit. UK, Prof Amjad Pervez the latest techniques by the rise, and a two-way process Prof Mohammed Saeed Quraishy, while Cheema, Prof Tas Qureshi, Dr practicing advanced of teaching and learning should addressing the audience stated that Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Abbasi, Dr laparoscopy and robotic be adopted to overcome this the DUHS encouraged medical Khursheed A Samu, Prof Sajda surgery, noted Amjad. frustration. research and provided financial Qureshi, Prof Shehryar Prof Siraj said that usually, Dr Cheema rejected the resources for this purpose. Research Ghazanfar, Prof Shafeeq-ur- colon surgery cost between 5 impression that operations required a large sum of money, and in Rehman, Prof Farhat Jaleel, and 800,000 rupees, while for could be done based on the this regard, the DUHS alumni, along Prof Mohammad Zubair, Prof the needy, this operation was facilities available in the UK. He with the government, was playing an Saad Khalid Niaz, Dr Samiya free without any linguistic said that it was possible to important role. He added that The Saeed, Dr Hina Khan, Dr Agha distinction. Prof Memon added conduct such operation DUHS faculty was pleased to announce Jan Mohammad, and a large that the youth was generally depending on the facilities significant progress in the operation of number of senior faculty more prone to this disease. available in Pakistan. "We have the eardrum, which operated the members and doctors attended Most patients between the ages to change our thinking and think eardrum via endoscopy. Twelve the conference of sixteen and 30 years ahead; you should make the operations had been carried out free While addressing the crowd, underwent surgery, while the most of the training course," he of cost using this method in the ENT Prof Amjad Siraj Memon noted common belief was that older said. Department of the CHK. that the Civil Hospital Surgical people over 60 suffer from colon Dr Pervaiz said "In the UK, Prof Saeed Quraishy said that it was Ward 3 had performed 800 cancer; however, such there is an impression that we a pleasure to hold this summit for young surgeries for colorectal disease impression was incorrect. despise the expression of ENT doctors. The conference would (disease of the large intestine), Faisal Edhi said that in the illiteracy; it is evil to answer any inspire young doctors to explore and, out of which 113 operations workshop, experts from abroad question, no matter how wrong in turn, develop their professional skills were for colon cancer. These had guided doctors on modern it is. Thus, if there is no answer and overcome their weaknesses. He surgeries were done free of practices. He informed that his to the asked question in noted that the communication skills of cost. In this regard, Surgical services were available in the general, then you should Pakistan's public sector hospitals were Ward 3 was considered one of Civil Hospital for Surgery Ward apologize for it." He further said questioned abroad recently. However, the world's highest-volume 3. Treatment facilities had been that the anatomy of the human after witnessing the presentations of surgery wards, said Siraj. extended from 2 pm to 5 pm body had not changed since the 20 selected doctors, the questions Prof Amjad Siraj Memon said with the support of the Edhi 2000 years. "If we do research seemed invalid. that the specialized work was Foundation. on it, we will become successful Quraishy congratulated the ENT started under the guidance of Speaking on occasion, Dr surgeons," told Pervaiz. department for organizing the summit Prof Mohammed Saeed Amjad Pervaiz Cheema, quoted Prof Amjad Pervaiz Cheema and wished them all the best in the Quraishy. Funding of 78 it as "a good experience." He appreciated the efforts that went future. He added that other students from the Dow Medical was pleased to learn that the into conducting this event and departments should also organize College and former students of announcements made here congratulated the association similar programs to enhance the the Cadet College Petaro made were also implemented. An in this regard. Continued on Page 08

MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 03 HIV EPIDEMIC - Critical point PROBE 2020 held at for Pakistan: Dr Saeed Khan MN Report University of Karachi KARACHI - Professor Dr MN Report Saeed Khan of the Dow global epidemic and the biological sciences at various International Medical KARACHI - The Department growing cause of many levels from undergrads to College (DIMC) while of Physiology at the University chronic diseases including PhD. addressing the PROBE of Karachi (KU) recently hypertension, atherosclerosis, Dr Iraqi mentioned that (Physiology Resonates organized a three-day diabetes, osteoarthritis, low Physiology was essential and Ozonizes Biological conference under the banner back pain, menstrual because it formed the Existence) 2020 Conference recently noted of Physiology Resonates and disorders, impotence and foundation upon which we that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Ozonizes Biological Existence urinary, respiratory, build our knowledge of life, (HIV) was the causative agent behind AIDS (PROBE) 2020. The event psychological, stomach how to treat disease, and how that caused a patient's immune system to was chaired by The Vice- disorders as well as some to cope with the stresses become ineffective and exposes the body Chancellor of the University forms of cancer. Still, a large imposed on our bodies by to secondary infections. of Haripur, Professor Dr number of people are different environments. The Dr Saeed informed the audience that in Anwar ul Hasan Gilani. unaware that being obese study of normal biological Pakistan, the HIV-1 subtype A had been observed to be more prevalent among different high-risk groups, including injection drug users (IDUs). Pakistan had witnessed a change in the prevalence of HIV from low prevalence to a country with a concentrated epidemic in high-risk groups. Professor Khan mentioned that it had also been observed in the past few years that several different emerging subtypes and recombinant forms were circulating the country. Due to the emerging subtypes, recombinant forms, and increasing accessibility of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, Vice-Chancellor, University of increases the risk of functions provided the basis there had been an emergence of drug Karachi, Professor Dr Khalid developing diseases, most of for understanding the resistance in patients receiving Mahmood Iraqi also graced which cannot be cured with abnormal functions observed medications. the occasion. Chairman, the help of pharmaceutical in the form of various diseases Prof Dr Khan observed that it might be due Department of Physiology, KU, medicines," Professor Gillani and developing new methods to treatment failure in people infected with Professor Dr Taseer Ahmed added. for treating those diseases, HIV and the circulation of the resistant was also present in the event. "What you eat is not the only he added. strains from the high-risk population to the The 2nd PROBE Conference thing you should be concerned "I respect Physiology, for it is general population. aimed to enhance the about. How you eat and when the keystone of biological and "Pakistan is facing an HIV outbreak, knowledge and understanding you eat is equally as medical knowledge, offering particularly in the rural Sindh. According pertaining to health-related important. He further noted a comprehensive to the Sindh AIDS Control program, 26,041 issues and their therapeutic that a diet based on natural understanding of the complex people have been screened for HIV since approaches. It also provided foods rich in fiber, legumes, human-machine hard and the beginning of the outbreak, and 751 young researchers with the complex carbohydrates, fruits software." people have been tested positive for HIV. resources to continue and vegetables, olives, and Professor Dr Taseer, said that The root cause or transmission a factor research with much higher fish helps in controlling obesity their faculty members were behind this epidemic is still a mystery, and standards. The conference and restore physiological currently running six National the data on the molecular characterization, was held in partnership with functions coupled with a Research Programs for drug resistance, and its origin of spread is the Pakistan Physiological physically active lifestyle and university projects funded by not available," Khan added. Society and the South Asian reduced stress," stated Dr the Higher Education Prof Dr Khan shared that in Africa, HIV Association of Physiologists. Anwar. Commission, and had cases were detected in the 1980s with low The event was supported by Quoting a World Health completed various local and prevalence, which was boosted to more the Higher Education Organization report, Dr Gillani international funded projects than 20% in some regions in the late 2000s. Commission of Pakistan, mentioned that more than 1.9 in the past. Now Pakistan was facing the same phase Pakistan Science Foundation, billion adults across the globe Dr Taseer said, "Out of the 16 of the HIV epidemic that was previously Office of Research Innovation were overweight, and over faculty members, 11 of them observed in Africa, he added. and Commercialization, and 650 million people were hold PhD degrees, which When discussing AIDS, Prof Khan said "It the World Poultry Science obese. He added that more makes the KU Physiology is necessary to talk about the social stigma, Association. than 340 million children aged Department the largest fear of social disapproval, denial of Professor Dr Anwar, while 5 to 19 were overweight or doctorate faculty in the subject accepting the reality, and consensus across addressing the conference obese, and over 41 million of Physiology under one roof the cultures in response to this disease." noted that despite the children under the age of five in a general university. The "In an Islamic state like Pakistan, topics advancement in the field of years were overweight or department is the backbone related to sexual encounters and safe sex pharmaceutical medicine, the obese. Obesity had nearly that nurtured Physiology in are considered taboo, so they are not disease burden had not been tripled since 1975, and after medical colleges initially and discussed openly, which contributes to the curtailed. He mentioned that analyzing statistics from the then stretching the spectrum increase in HIV/AIDS epidemics," Dr Khan mortality due to infectious last four decades, predictions of Physiology in every institute highlighted. diseases had reduced; stated that one-fifth of the where basic medical sciences Prof Saeed further said that we need to however, there has also been world's population would be are involved from nursing take steps to reduce the stigma related to an increase in the global affected by obesity by 2025. schools, pharmacy education, HIV/AIDS so the masses could speak up morbidity and mortality trends Professor Dr Khalid observed physiotherapy institutes, to and talk about the disease and its modes due to non-communicable that participants should share nutrition studies." of transmission, etc. This would increase diseases, primarily obesity. their ideas and information Professor Ahmed urged that Continued on Page 08 "Obesity is now considered a related to innovations in Continued on Page 08

04 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 Mental Health Crises:

Pakistanis rate physical, 2020 mental health NATIONAL MN Report KARACHI - According to the February 7-9 results of a recent survey 20th Annual PAUS Urology Conference carried out by the Gilani (UROCON) 2020 at Hyderabad. Research Foundation by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan, 10% of Pakistanis believed that their February 14-16 mental health was worse than 5th AKU Annual Surgical Conference at AKU their physical health. Karachi. A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the four provinces March 26-28 was asked, "How is your was mental health compared to your better, and mental 26th Annual Meeting: Pakistan Association physical health?" In response, 48% said that health of Plastic Surgeons (PAPSCON 2020) at 10% said their mental health their mental was Lahore. was worse than their physical health was the health, 39% said their mental same as their health was better than their physical health. March 27-28 physical health, and 50% said Out of all the respondents from worse than their Internal Medicine Symposium 2020 their mental health was the urban Pakistan, 7% said their physical health, 39% Quality in education and healthcare at AKU same as their physical health. mental health was worse than said it was better, and 47% said Auditorium, Karachi. 1% did not know or wish to their physical health, 39% said it was the same. Out of the respond. their mental health was better, females that answered, only Out of the total respondents and a higher 53% said their 5% said their mental health that belonged to rural Pakistan, mental health is the same as was worse, 38% said it was 2020 12% said that their mental their physical health. better than their physical health was worse than their Out of the total males that health, and 56% said it was the physical health, 39% said it responded, 13% said their same. JUNE OCTOBER 1 World Milk Day 8 World Sight Day 1 International Children Day 10 World Mental Health Day 5World Environment Day 12 World Arthritis Day 14 World Blood Donor Day 12 World Bone And Joint Week 15World Handwashing Day 19 World Sickle Cell Day H1N1 flu: 16 World Food Day 26 International Day Against Drug 17 World Spine Day Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking 17 World Trauma Day 20 World Osteoporosis Day Five cases JULY 24 World Polio Day 11 World Population Day 29 World Stroke Day 28 World Hepatitis Day reported NOVEMBER AUGUST 1 Lung Cancer Awareness 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week Month 9 World Quality Day 14 International Diabetes Day in Karachi SEPTEMBER 17 World Chronic Obstructive 9 International Fetal Alcohol Pulmonary Disease Day MN Syndrome Day 26 World Anti-Obesity Day 20 World Retina Week KARACHIReport - According to sources, five patients, who DECEMBER 21 World Alzheimer’s Day 1 World Aids Day had reported at a private hospital in Clifton over the 25World Pharmacist Day 3 International Day of Disabled 26 World Retina Day Persons past few weeks, were tested positive for H1N1 flu, 29 World Heart Day 5World Patient Safety Day recently. One of these patients, identified as a 35-year-old man Newborn Newborns are dying because of late admitted to the same hospital and was treated in its diagnosis and improper care at the infectious diseases' ward, but died within a week. Care Clinic initial stage. This clinic will help in The sources said that two patients infected with H1N1 identifying ailments earlier and treating strain were currently under treatment at the hospital setup at CHK them as per new evidence based on while two others had been examined in its outpatient the PSBI, IMNCI guidelines. department. On this occasion, WHO-UNICEF MN Report No health department official was available for officials, Dr Badar and Dr Kamal confirmation while the private hospital hadn't specified KARACHI - The Child Survival highlighted the importance of the H1N1 flu as the cause of his death as the patient Program (CSP) in Sindh recently newborn care clinics in health facilities. had some other health complications also. established a Newborn Care Clinic in Head of the Paeds Ward, Dr Yousef, Precautionary measures suggested against the highly the Paediatric OPD (Out Patient informed that this clinic would benefit contagious viral infection. Departement) of the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil thousands of newborns born in the Sources said four to five cases of H1N1 flu had been Hospital Karachi (CHK). CHK. Chief Guest, MS, CHK, Dr reported in Islamabad as well. Medical Superintendent, CHK, Dr Khadim Qureshi, assured his full The H1N1 influenza, according to the WHO (World Khadim Qureshi, and Director, Child support for the newborn care clinic Health Organization), is similar to seasonal influenza Survival Program, Dr M N Lal, and allocation of staff. but has been characterized by higher activity during inaugurated the clinic. This clinic was The ceremony concluded with the the northern summer season, higher fatality rates established as per the WHO-UNICEF's distribution of gifts to the retired among healthy young adults and higher incidence of guidelines in regards to improving Paeds OPD care staff and Admin, viral pneumonia. newborn and child survival. Resident MedicalmOfficer (RMO),

MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 05 Alternative Medicine: Body's immune system can fight 5th Hamdard Int'l against cancer Conference held ometimes our immune systems can destroy cancer. Now more S light has been shed on how this MN Report happens with the discovery of tiny clumps KARACHI - The 5th Hamdard implement new healthcare of immune tissue that form within International Conference was plans such as the 'Sehat tumours. The structures, dubbed immune recently held on the theme: Sahulat Programme' to further outposts, seem to improve people's "Global Popularity of Alternative extend health care assistance chances of surviving cancer - and may Medicine, Responsibilities, and to the disabled and their be turned into a new treatment if they Challenges." The event was families. "Our hopes, wishes, can be encouraged to form artificially. chaired by Mrs , and prayers are behind every We have long known that the immune President, Hamdard such effort," she added. Foundation Pakistan, and President, Hamdard Chancellor, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan said that University at Bait al-Hikmah, Pakistan exported much , Karachi. medicinal flora in their raw Dr Allah Bukhsh Malik, Federal form. "According to statistics, Secretary of Health Services, Pakistan has the potential to Regulation, and Co-ordination export value-added was invited as the Chief Guest compounded herbal medicines of the event. Prof Dr Zabta and health supplements worth Khan Shinwari, President, billions of dollars," she added National Council for Tibb, and emphasized exploring system responds to cancer. Some Ministry of Health Islamabad these opportunities to existing medicines work by boosting this and Prof Dr Anwar ul Hasan stakeholders, many of whom response, but they only lead to a cure in Gilani, Vice-Chancellor, Haripur were present in the a minority of people. University also spoke on the conference. Haydn Kissick at Emory University School event. Prof Dr Rashid A H Prof Dr Anwar ul Hasan Gilani of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and his Bhika, Chairman, Ibn Sina said that the integration of colleagues looked at tumours removed Institute of Tibb, South Africa, Herbal Medicine in healthcare from about 150 people with cancers of also sent in his video message. was the concept of Said, the kidney, bladder or prostate. The While addressing the communicated by him 70 years proportion of T-cells - the immune cells conference Dr Allah Bukhsh ago. "This is what is needed that fight tumours - within the growths said that alternative medicine today because it is a system ranged from 0.002 per cent to over 20 in general and Eastern (Unani) that ensures quality. There per cent of the total number of cells. Medicine, in particular, had should be no compromise on The T-cells weren't randomly distributed great potential. If this system it as quality will ensure results within the tumour, but were clustered in of medicine in the healing of and the survival of Herbal the outposts, which were about a tenth diseases would get employed, Medicine." He added. Dr Gilani of a millimetre across and sited near tiny then we will get a good amount said that Herbal Medicine was blood vessels going into the tumours. As of cure. He stated that in order our heritage, and when in well as the fully developed T-cells, the to facilitate this particular chronic disease allopathy outposts contained immature T-cells discipline, a separate section failed, Unani Medicine cured. called stem-like cells, which can multiply of Eastern Medicine in Drug Shinwari said that the Council While paying tribute to Hakim to produce a constant supply of new Regulatory Authority Pakistan had to play a big role in Mohammed Said, Dr Anwar immune cells. "They keep pumping out (DRAP) would be established. spreading the traditional/herbal said that 's the soldiers," says Kissick. "You need Dr Allah Bukhsh further said medicine as it was being done knowledge and wisdom were these things because T-cells are that he had a personal in China, Korea, India, and never-ending, and we should continually dying." association with Hakim everywhere else. 'However, an carry forward his wisdom and The outposts also contained a second Mohammed Said since he met improvement in the quality of mission. "Similarly, we have to kind of immune cell that picks up and him in 1983, and he found him herbal medicines is a must for promote Avicenna as he is a displays cancer molecules on its surface, to be an embodiment of its popularity and acceptance great asset of Unani Medicine," highlighting them to T-cells as something Pakistan (Mujjam Pakistan). by the people,' he added. he added. that needs to be attacked. "These After Hakim Said, Sadia Mrs Sadia Rashid, in her Prof Dr Rashid A H Bhika in [outposts] are acting like a lymph node Rashid had been leading presidential address, said, "We his video message paid rich but at the site where the fight is taking Hamdard and has given a are happy that Dr Allah Bakhsh tribute to Hakim Mohammed place," says Kissick. "It's like a ground promotion to the Eastern Malik is visiting Madinat al- said that he was his mentor, a zero." Medicine, he added. Hikmah, a city of education, multi-dimensional personality, Lymph nodes, small, bean-shaped Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari science and culture, for the first and a man of vision who was nodules in places such as the neck and said: 'Western and Eastern time; we are also delighted that versatile in Tibb. "Hakim Said armpits, are where immune cells learn Medicines are international he has visualized the has contributed a lot to to fight anything harmful such as bacteria cousins, so are the doctors and importance and significance of promote ancient Muslim - or cancer cells - by recognising hakims. For you, it is great alternative medicines." scientists, integration of Tibb molecules on their surface. news that the government has Sadia Rashid also said that Dr with technology, and educating "We knew there were [T-cells] in tumours, decided to establish a hospital Allah Bakhsh had been children," he added. Dr Rashid but this shows where the stem-like cells of Eastern Medicine in associated with the National hoped that Hamdard would live," says Nicholas Restifo of US biotech Islamabad.' Medicine Policy of Federal make great success not in firm Lyell Immunopharma. "All stem cells While explaining the vision of Government and had been Pakistan but across the world have niches where they are kept safe the National Council for Tibb, instrumental in efforts to under Sadia Rashid. Continued on Page 08

06 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 Australian bushfire: Air pollution is affecting your Doctors warn as bone health air quality drops ome of the effects of air pollution on S health are well documented. This includes lung cancer, stroke, respiratory diseases, and a long etc. But for others there AUSTRALIA - The recent is less scientific evidence. Such is the case of bushfire smoke from the bone health. Now, a study led by the Barcelona raging blazes in Victoria has Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an forced authorities to issue a institution supported by "la Caixa," has found public health alert. an association between exposure to air Catastrophic fire conditions pollution and poor bone health. have been forecast, where scorching temperatures and unpredictable winds are "the concern with respect to the air quality in Canberra expected to fan the hundreds the air quality" was found. was more than 10 times of fires that continue to burn Mr Moy said, "There are hazardous levels, having across large parts of people who are going to peaked at more than 20 Australia's east. probably die from these times hazardous levels. "We have three main threats conditions", particularly those "One of the key things for Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density today - the fires themselves, "right at the edge of lung us is that I don't think we've and quality of the bone is reduced. Globally, the smoke, and the capacity". People with actually ever seen anything it is responsible for a substantial burden of heatwave conditions," chronic conditions, such as like this before," said senior disease and its prevalence is expected to Bureau of Meteorology asthma, are being urged to manager of programs at increase due to aging of the population. spokesman Grahame stay indoors by Director of Asthma Australia, Nigel The new study performed by the CHAI Reader said. Smoke from Public Health, Mark Veitch, Cooper. A consultant (Cardiovascular Health effects of Air pollution) the fires has choked the as hot and windy weather emergency physician at Project, led by ISGlobal analysed the nation's air quality, turning increases fire danger. Calvary hospital in Canberra, association between air pollution and bone daytime skies to near-night- The air quality is at its worst David Caldicott, told The health in over 3,700 people from 28 villages time darkness in the worst- in the island state's north and Guardian that the "significant in southern India. hit areas. central regions. Mr Moy's medical event" resulting from The authors used a locally-developed model As the unprecedented warnings come after the the smoke "tracks directly to estimate outdoor exposure at residence to bushfires continue to burn world's worst air quality was back to the issues of climate air pollution by fine particulate matter along Australia's east coast, recorded in Canberra, change". (suspended particles with a diameter of 2.5 m medical professionals are causing an elderly woman to Shocking photographs and or less) and black carbon. The participants warning of unpredictable and die from respiratory distress videos were shared on also filled a questionnaire on the type of fuel lasting consequences for after disembarking from a social media earlier this used for cooking. The authors linked this public health. Chair of the plane in the nation's capital. week, showing the impact information with bone health assessed using Australian Medical A global air quality index of the drifting smoke on a special type of radiography that measures Association's ethics and ranked Canberra's air worse some of New Zealand's bone density, called dual-energy x-ray medico-legal committee, than New , India or magnificent and usually icy absorptiometry, and measured bone mass at Chris Moy told that the lasting Lahore, Pakistan. According white attractions. - Courtesy the lumbar spine and the left hip. impact of the bushfires and to local health authorities, of news.com.au The results showed that exposure to ambient air pollution, particularly to fine particles, was associated with lower levels of bone mass. No Health workers need support correlation was found with use of biomass fuel for cooking. from the World : WHO "This study contributes to the limited and GENEVA - In a recent press release, the moments of inconclusive literature on air pollution and bone head of the United Nations health agency life to the last." health," explains Otavio T. Ranzani, ISGlobal thanked the brave health workers around There are 22 researcher and first author of the study. the globe and asked the world to support million nurses Regarding the possible mechanisms underlying them. and two this association, he says "inhalation of polluting "They are doing life-saving work every day, million midwives worldwide, who prevent, particles could lead to bone mass loss through including during holidays when the rest of diagnose, and treat diseases, provide expert the oxidative stress and inflammation caused us are with our loved ones at home," said care during childbirth, and serve people by air pollution." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director- caught in humanitarian emergencies, and Annual average exposure to ambient PM2.5 General of the World Health Organization conflicts, according to the WHO. was 32.8 g/m3, far above the maximum levels (WHO), in his video message for the New "During this year, the WHO and its partners recommended by the World Health Year. will ask countries to improve the education Organisation (10 g/m3). 58% of participants "However, the world needs to do a better job and employment of nurses and midwives," used biomass fuel for cooking. in supporting our health workers, paying said the WHO chief. "Our findings add to a growing body of evidence them, training them, and protecting them." He also observed that 70% of the global that indicates that particulate air pollution is The WHO estimated that the world would health workforce is female, pointing out that relevant for bone health across a wide range need another 18 million health workers, "jobs for health workers are often jobs for of air pollution levels, including levels found in mostly in low- and middle-income countries. women." high income and low-and medium income Ghebreyesus recalled that 2020 is the Year "Investing in health workers pays a triple countries" says Cathryn Tonne, coordinator of of the Nurse and the Midwife, which dividend for health, economic growth, and the study and of the CHAI project. " celebrates the professionals who provide a gender equality," spelled out the WHO - Courtesy of ScienceDaily wide range of health services "from the first Director-General.

MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 07 NHS cuts the prices of ... concept of hand-washing and to remove all the misconceptions weakening in the country was affected more than 170 million Continued from front page personal hygienic care. The about polio drops from the public's due to the lack of motivation in individuals worldwide. He decrease the prices by 15pc, he containers used for transporting minds. The message should be young doctors. Young doctors mentioned that according to the said. the milk are also unclean. "The delivered to the public in a worked hard and wanted to move WHO, the number of type-2 Earlier, Pakistan Medical milk market is disgusting. Vendors manner that compels them to take forward, but they were not guided diabetes affected individuals was Association (PMA) accused the often use their bare hands to take their children to the vaccine in the right direction. expected to rise in Pakistan from ministry of NHS of misleading the the milk out of the containers. centers for polio drops Young doctors from the Aga Khan 4.3 million in 1995 to 14.5 million nation by claiming that the cabinet There have been various themselves instead of relying on University, Ziauddin University, in 2025, leaving Pakistan at the had reduced the prices of 89 accounts of vendors mixing polio campaigns. Political and Hamdard Medical University, number four spot among the top medicines. The association different chemicals to make the religious leaders, NGOs, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, ten countries of the world affected claimed that it was a six-month- milk thicker, which further teachers, and family physicians Liaquat National Medical College, by diabetes. old decision which was compromises its safety," said all should play their due role in Lyari Medical College, and Dow announced again after the cabinet PMA Representatives. the eradication of the poliovirus University of Health Sciences PROBE 2020 held at ... meeting. The association also The PMA advised the public to from Pakistan," noted the PMA. presented their research papers Continued from page 04 shared a notification issued by avoid open milk and choose at the summit. Dr Shayan Khan the Pakistan Medical Commission the ministry in past, where packaged/pasteurized milk for DUHS Summit looks to won the first prize for his research should consider re-allowing pharmaceutical companies had better health and nutrition and to Continued from page 03 paper. Dr Maheen Piyar Ali and graduates of the Physiology been directed to reduce the prices prevent waterborne diseases and capabilities of young doctors. Dr Huzaifa Moiz won the second Department to serve as faculty of 89 medicines. any infection due to Speaking on occasion, Prof Syed and third prizes, respectively. members in medical institutes as However, the ministry claimed contamination. Mohammad Tariq Rafi, noted "we in the past. He mentioned that that the prices of medicines were The PMA noted that packaged are proud to hold the Young HIV EPIDEMIC - Critical ... students and intellectuals from finally reduced as the notification milk was clean and safe. It was Doctors Summit in Karachi. The Continued from page 04 institutions across Pakistan, had been published in the gazette UHT (Ultra-High Temperature program will encourage young acceptance in society for HIV including the Bahauddin Zakria of Pakistan. processing) treated and thus free doctors to read, learn, and infected patients, so they did not University (), Islamia from any contamination. increase their knowledge as most remain unaddressed. University (Bahawalpur), Saaf Doodh, Sehat ... "Packaged milk does not contain of the younger generation can be Dr Khan urged that in the current University of Health Sciences Continued from front page Aflatoxin, which is a kind of fungus seen staying away from reading epidemic situation, there was an (Lahore), in the market was not safe for consumed by the animals through books and getting themselves urgent need for educating people (Jamshoro), participated in human consumption, as proven substandard fodder. This fungus used to multimedia." regarding the means of PROBE 2020. Seven plenary, ten by scientific studies and has been proven to cause liver Prof Amjad Siraj Memon, noted transmission and prevention of invited lectures, and 64 oral and experiences of the developed and cancer. Packaged and that organizing the summit at the STDs. Additionally, fundamental 44 posters presentations were civilized world. pasteurized milk is also free from Dow Medical College was an factors that needed to be presented on the second and the PMA stated that with the preservatives or chemicals," honor. While speaking to the addressed on round tables and third day of the conference. exception of a few countries, informed PMA officials. audience, Summit Chairperson, in educational institutes was the including Pakistan and India, Prof Shuja said that there were safe practice of sex to avoid the Body’s immune system ... nowhere in the world was PMA finds failure ... excellent ENT doctors and transmission of HIV/AIDS. Continued from page 06 unpackaged milk available. Milk Continued from page 02 surgeons in the Civil Hospital and He observed that knowing the and sound. We had never pinned was supposed to be a complete political parties in the committee," young doctors should learn from fact that the government them anatomically." diet, especially for children, said PMA. them. The Pakistan ENT Society resources were limited, it was our The outposts hadn't managed to elderly, and pregnant women. The PMA also requested the had been organizing various collective responsibility, and stop the cancers from growing - Unpackaged milk could not government to deal with this programs since 1981. The everyone had to play their role to some were up to 10 centimetres provide the required nutrition menace on a priority basis and summit, however, was the first deal with HIV related fear, stigma, across. But after people had their because of its rampant declare polio an emergency in event that has been arranged for and denial in the public because primary tumour removed, those adulteration with contaminated the country. The PMA believed our young doctors, Shuja added. no one was safe until everyone who had more outposts were less and unclean water. Open milk that a massive awareness Usually, at large-scale was safe. likely to have secondary tumours was more liable to be infected campaign through print, conferences, young doctors were Meanwhile, Consultant emerge elsewhere in their body. with bacteria because buffalo and electronic, and social media not provided with such Hematologist and Bone Marrow This may have been because the cow pens were not maintaining should be initiated. "The opportunities to present their Transplant Physician at the T-cells had "learned" to recognise hygiene standards. government will have to run a research papers, Dr Farrukh Children's Hospital Karachi, Dr the cancer while in the outposts, The quality of the milk was not strong campaign to let people added. To encourage young Saqib Hussain Ansari, informed says Kissick. "If you have these sustained as different people use know what polio is and what its doctors at the summit, 20 the audience that Thalassemia in your tumour, you seem to different methods of feeding the consequences are. People should research articles were selected management without blood control the disease." animal, milking, and transporting be made aware of the importance for presentation at the summit in transfusion had a great prospect, The team is now investigating if the milk. Additionally, the milk was of the polio vaccine; they should an effort to encourage them and especially in the middle and low- some tumours produce often contaminated with Aflatoxin, particularly be convinced that the their efforts, said Farrukh. income countries, where the chemicals that cause the told PMA. vaccine is very effective for the Summit Secretary Associate, Prof burden of transfusion outposts to break down. "If we PMA highlighted that the people eradication of polio and is not Dr Atif, said that the reason why transmissible infections and iron can neutralise that, they can pop involved in animal care had no harmful in any way. The goal is the field of research was overload were increasing. back up." Furthermore, he mentioned that Previously, another kind of stem cell transplantation was not immune tissue, known as tertiary practical due to a variety of factors lymphoid structures, has been like financial costs, donor associated with cancer, but this unavailability, and scarcity of is usually found around the transplantation facilities. outside of tumours and contains Dr Syed Aqeel Ahmed, Chief mainly B-cells, which produce Operating Officer, Tabba Kidney antibodies but cannot kill tumour Institute, Karachi, mentioned that cells. in the past 200 years, medicine Other research groups have been had seen advances at an trying to make scaffolds out of extraordinary pace. People were algae that could be seeded with now enjoying longer and healthier immune cells and implanted next lives compared to their ancestors. to or inside a tumour. "Once you Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, understand that these structures Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, are important for survival, we Professor Dr Muhammad Kamran might be able to manipulate them Azim, expressed that type-2 or encourage their growth," says diabetes had been emerging as Restifo. - Courtesy of a growing health issue that had NewScientist

08 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 09 DRAP: SHC green signals CHK annual stats: the drug import from India 3 million people seek treatment in 2019 MN Report KARACHI - The (SHC) MN Report directed the Drug Regulatory Authority KARACHI - According to annual statistics released by of Pakistan (DRAP) recently, to the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), in 2019, collaborate with the foreign ministry and a total of 2,903,727 patients were provided with carry forward the visa process for consultation facilities in the different Out Patient importing medicines from India. The Departments (OPDs) as compared to 2,598,916 patients directive was issued by a two-member in 2018. bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Sindh's largest tertiary care institution, the Dr Ruth Pfau Ali Mazhar and Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed. responsible for inspecting pharmaceutical Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), catered to 2,903,727 The plea pertaining to delays in the import companies. patients in its OPDs while 689,386 patients were treated of medicines, were filed by Concluding the hearing, the court in the Accident & Emergency Department. pharmaceutical companies. remarked that companies facing problems A DRAP official informed the court that in the issuance of visas to India were to visas to visit India were not being issued approach DRAP for assistance and due to escalation in tensions between in directed the foreign ministry to provide India and Pakistan. The counsel for the assistance to DRAP. It ordered the pharmaceutical companies attributed the ministry and the drug regulatory authority delay in the import of medicines to this to collaborate to carry forward the visa suspension in the issuance of visas. process for the import of medicines from Later, the DRAP official also informed India. Besides, the high court directed the court that the drug regulatory authority DRAP to complete the pending had constituted a committee that was registrations for drugs within 45 days.

Similarly, 689,386 patients were brought to the Accident & Emergency Department in 2019 as compared to 678,020 in 2018. More than 55,971 women were provided with consultation services in the Gynae/Obs Emergency, while 20,193 deliveries were performed last year. The CHK's statistics further revealed that 97,892 patients were admitted in the various departments of the hospital in 2019 as compared to 91,899 in 2018. Approximately, 10,604 dog bite cases were recorded at the Dog-Bite Clinic last year as compared to 16,312 in 2018. As per the released data, a total of 41,774 general surgeries were performed in 2019, while 39,326 operations were conducted in 2018. One thousand six hundred three deaths were also registered in the institution in 2019 as compared to 2,057 deaths in 2018. The bed occupancy rate remained at 99.11% in the institution. Dengue death toll climbs to 46 in 2019 MN Report KARACHI - The Sindh Health Department registered 16,925 dengue across the Sindh province in 2019, out of which 15,709 were recorded in Karachi alone. Forty-six deaths were also reported due to denguein the previous year. An official of the Sindh Health Department informed that as many as 16,925 dengue fever cases were detected across the Sindh province last year, out of which 15,709 were reported from Karachi and 1216 from other districts of the province. The dengue fever claimed 46 lives across the province, out of which 44 were reported in Karachi and one each from Hyderabad and Ghotki, respectively. Out of a total of 54,100 registered cases, an estimated 30% of the overall dengue cases were reported from Sindh.

10 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 Fire at JPMC: Inquiry Awareness drive HIV/AIDS: committee forms to to educate about 1217 people probe incident burn injuries tested

MN Report and 406 of them died during positive in KARACHI - A burn awareness treatment while 599 patients drive has been recently were cured and discharged Rotadero launched in educational from the hospital. institutes in collaboration with The number of deaths MN Report Friends of Burns Centre and resulting from burn injuries KARACHI - The Bridge Consultant Essa Laboratories. The drive has declined in the last couple Foundation, UNICEF, and Sindh was supervised by Dr Ehmer- of years; however, more burns AIDS Control Program recently Al-Ibran, Associate centres were needed in every conducted an advocacy seminar to Professor, Dow divisional level health address the increased number of University of facility to reduce the HIV case reports in Ratodero. Health Sciences death ratio further, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), (DUHS) and In- Ehmer noted. Bridge Consultant Foundation, Dr Charge, Burns Centre, Dr Ehmer explained Sharf Ali Shah, in his address, said MN Report Dr K M Ruth that the most that more than 38000 individuals KARACHI - The Jinnah Pfau Civil common Postgraduate Medical Centre Hospital categories of (JPMC) recently constituted a six- Karachi burns injuries member inquiry committee to (CHK). The were those investigate the recent fire incident drive was a resulting from fire, in the Gynae Nursery. comprehensive electricity, The Head of Department of awareness, chemicals, and Psychiatry, JPMC, Prof Dr Iqbal organized to hot water. He Afridi, led the inquiry committee. prevent and further explained Other members included Dr educate school- that children Shazia Naseeb, Dr Yaha Khan going children generally Tunio, Dr Assadullah, Ms Jasmine from burns injuries across the suffered from burn injuries due Lal Din, and Ms Josephine city. to hot water and tea. had been tested for HIV, out of which James. While speaking to the press, Ehmer said sprinkling cold 1217 individuals tested HIV positive. Dr Ehmer Al Ibran informed water on fire and chemical The terms of references (TORs) The population includes a large that poster competitions and burn injuries for a few minutes of the committee included number of children. other activities had been after the incident was vital to damages incurred in the Unit, Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Dr arranged in schools to save the victim's life. He fixation of responsibility if any, Rafique Khanani, Dr Sikandar generate awareness in advised the public to adopt recommendations for the future, Memon, Manager Sindh, AIDs children. Several awareness preventive measures to avoid and any other issue that the Control Program, Dr Samina Junejo, sessions were also conducted burns-related injuries. deems fit. Manager, Indus Hospital (ACP), Dr in different educational However, health experts A fire recently broke out in the D S Akram, Dr Ashraf Memon, Dr institutes with the support of believed that the number of Gyane Nursery last night. The Khalid Shafi, and Ayesha Minhas probable reason behind the the Pakistan Medical burns injuries cases could Association (PMA). easily be reduced if the Sindh also spoke on occasion. They incident was a short circuit. No requested the government to lives were lost in the incident. Dr Ehmer said about 1,113 Health Department completed patients with burns injuries the construction of five burns provide service packages to Aside from some equipment, no decrease such risks among the serious damage was done. were brought to the Burns centers in different cities of Centre in the CHK in 2019, Sindh as soon as possible. population.

SHC summons health secretary ... summoned the doctor who treated Rehan and Program in Sindh. Continued from page 16 all doctors constituting the medical board. The Directorate of Complaints registered a Later, pointing out that the "inquiry conducted Moreover, it directed that details of meeting total of 120 complaints so far out of which 80 by SHCC was incomplete," the public called by the medical board on the matter be complaints have been disposed of, 34 prosecutor contended that while the hospital presented to the court at the next hearing and complaints are under process, while 6 are sub- was fined, no doctors responsible for the ordered that the health secretary too appeared judice. negligence were identified. Rehan's father before the court on that day. The Directorate of Licensing & Accreditation lamented before the court that the police had received 211 new applications for registration even refused to register an FIR of the incident. 26 more clinics sealed by SHCC this week. The total number of applications for The chief medical officer informed that court Continued from page 16 registration has reached 10,069. Certificates that instead a medical board, formed on the previously sealed by I&ET of DAQ, SHCC. were issued to 170 HCEs this week, bringing instructions of Sindh government, was carrying Chief Executive Officer, SHCC, Dr Minhaj the total number of registration certificates out an inquiry and separately, Sindh Services Qidwai, and Director, Clinical Governance & issued to 9326 HCEs. Hospital's medical board too has issued a Training, attended a meeting chaired by the The team inspected the Healing Home, Gul report on the matter. The report concludes that Health Minister of Sindh, Dr Azra Pechuho, Medical Center, and the National Medical negligence on part of RMC couldn't be proved, regarding the review of the vertical programs Center in Karachi this week. he said. of the Health Department, Sindh focusing TB, On the other hand, more than 70 cases were The court commented that all the doctors HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis. filed by healthcare providers (HCPs) against included in the board were incompetent. The Directorate of Clinical Governance & the Directorate of Anti-Quackery, Inspection & Seeking RMC's reply on the matter, the court Training, SHCC, held a meeting of the Sindh Enforcement Team (I&ET). The majority of the ordered that details about the facilities available Infection Prevention and Control Task Force. cases (60 plus) have been disposed of by the at the hospital, its doctors and other staff be SHCC. The meeting discussed the proposal higher and lower courts of Sindh reaffirming presented at the next hearing. It also of master trainers for the Infection Control the actions of the SHCC.

MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020 11 SHC summons health secretary 26 more clinics over medical negligence case sealed by SHCC MN Report MN Report far. At this, the court asked about the KARACHI - The Anti-Quackery teams of the Sindh KARACHI - The details on the medical findings of the inquiry conducted by the Healthcare Commission (SHCC) recently sealed board's meetings were recently sought by SHCC into the matter, asking what led to 26 more clinics in a week. the Sindh High Court. The medical board the amputation of the boy's arm. The anti-quackery teams also issued warning was formed over the alleged negligence In its report submitted to the court, the notices to six other Health Care Establishments of doctors at a private SHCC identified (HCEs) over non-compliance while six hospital, Razia reaction to an clinics were found Medical Centre injection as the compliant. A quack (RMC) leading to the probable cause of practicing under amputation of the arm the amputation. The the name of the of a 12-year-old boy, report states that the Dalpat Jaundice Hamza Rehan. The boy had contracted Center at the New Doctor court also summoned a fever following Plaza in Nazimabad, the health secretary which he was Karachi, was also sealed on the matter. The administered an after a detailed inspection directives were injection at the by the Inspection issued by a two-member bench, hospital. However, he had to be later & Enforcement team (I&ET) comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar shifted to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, of the DAQ (Directorate of and Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed. The plea Karachi (CHK) after he complained of pain Anti-Quackery), SHCC. forwarded by Rehan's father stated that in his arm, the report elaborates, adding The Directorate of Anti- boy's arm had to be amputated after he that his arm was amputated after a surgery Quackery in the SHCC, in was administered the wrong injection. at CHK. The public prosecutor maintained their robust drive against quacks, The deputy advocate general informed that it takes more than 24 hours for has been taking vigorous actions against quacks the court that the Sindh Health Care gangrene to develop. in Sindh. The Directorate has lodged a total of 15 Commission (SHCC) had imposed a fine The court also inquired about the money FIRs (First Information Reports). Twelve FIRs have of Rs500,000 on the hospital for medical collected on account of the fine. An SHCC been filed against quacks, and three FIRs have negligence. The court, however, inquired official informed the court that it was been lodged against the Human Rights & Defenders whether the license of the delinquent deposited in the provincial government's Organization (HRDO) for facilitating and helping doctor had been suspended by SHCC or account. Then who will compensate for quacks in illegally reopening healthcare not. At this, the deputy advocate general the loss of the affected child, wondered establishments in District Sanghar, which were replied that no doctor had been fined so the court. Continued on Page 11 Continued on Page 11 Fire at NICH: Probe launched, no Karachi woman cause yet who came MN Report ‘back to life’, died KARACHI - The inquiry committee constituted by MN Report the Sindh Health KARACHI - A woman who had been declared dead Department recently probe by doctors mysteriously woke up during ritual burial into the death of an infant bath at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), passed due to a fire at the National engineers, reached the were away the next day. Institute of Child Health hospital three hours after placed near the (NICH). The meeting the fire incident. The fire entrance/exit door. There expressed its concern over incident took place early in were no arrangements for the lethargic response of the morning; however, the a separate emergency exit. the Director of the NICH administrative officials It was found that the and other administrative arrived at the institution at warranty of the burnt staff. The committee office timings. This conduct incubator had already comprised of Special of the administration expired, and no service Secretary, Health depicted serious agreement was concluded According to family sources, a 50-year-old Rasheeda Administration (Chairman), unprofessionalism and lack with the supplier/service Dr Sikandar Memon of administrative provider for the incubator's Bibi was brought to the ASH a day back for treatment (Secretary), Dr Zulfiqar capabilities. inspection/maintenance. where doctors declared her dead. The doctors had (Member), and Dr Rubina The report further observed The NICH's administration also issued her death certificate to the family Bashir (Member) recently that the incubator rooms did not issue any schedule members. submitted its initial report to required 24/7 invigilation on for the The body of the woman was moved to the mortuary the Sindh Health each and every incubator, inspection/maintenance of for its final ritual burial bath, where she suddenly Department. but there was no significant the incubators, depicting the woke up. The mortuary attendants and the woman's The committee members staff available in the inspection date by the family members fled from the scene in a fit of fear. observed that the Executive incubator rooms to respond supplier/service provider. Rasheeda Bibi was later shifted to the ASH again Director of the NICH, Dr to the emergency properly. The Director of the NICH for treatment, where she later on passed away. Jamal Raza, Additional Surprisingly, there was only has been directed to explain Senior Director, Medical & Health Service Director, and other a single gate for the entry his position in view of the Department, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation concerned officials, and exit of patients. observations of the inquiry (KMC), Dr Salma Kauser, took notice of the incident including the biomedical Additionally, the incubators committee shortly. and ordered further investigation into the matter. 12 MEDICAL NEWS / January 15-31, 2020

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