The National Medical Newspaper CORONAVIRUS IN CONFIRMED CASES 2,98,025 REPORTED DEATH 6,340 PUNJAB 130,253 97,118

Pakistan’s First ISLAMABAD BALOCHISTAN Independent 15,726 13,517

Medical Periodical from KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA GB/AJK 36,498 2,960 / 2,313 Vol. 53 No. 5 August 15-31, 2020 RECOVERED CASES Published Fortnightly Reg. No. ID. MC-153 ISSN 1728-1520 Controlled Circulation 282,553

*Stats as of 05 September, 2020 - 08:44am, Provided by PMA Sindh new Young lady doctor Polio campaigns Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Inside cabinet takes ... 02 commits suicide 04 begin from 15 ... 05 Coordination, Pakistan green-lights Phase III trials for COVID vaccine

MN Report The study will be conducted at ISLAMABAD - The Ministry of renowned medical research National Health Services centers of the country including Regulation and Coordination has Aga Khan Medical University recently received formal approval Karachi, Indus Hospital Karachi, from the Drug Regulatory Authority Shaukat Khanum Memorial of Pakistan (DRAP) for Phase III Hospital Lahore, Shifa International clinical trials of the corona vaccine. Hospital Islamabad and UHS According to a statement from the Lahore. NIH, the medical facility has Initiatives such as the Phase 3 obtained "the formal approval from clinical trial in Pakistan will not only DRAP for Phase III Clinical Trial enhance Pakistan's ability to of Recombinant Novel Coronavirus develop vaccines locally and pave Vaccine Adenovirus Type 5 vector the way for private-public (Ad5-nCoV) developed by partnerships, but will also project CanSinoBio and Beijing Institute a positive image of the country of Biotechnology [BIB]". around the world. "This will be the first ever phase This will be the first phase 3 clinical The Principal Investigator of Multi- It will also ensure preferential III clinical trial for any vaccine in trial of any vaccine in Pakistan. Center Clinical Trials in Pakistan supply of vaccines at reasonable Pakistan." According to a spokesman for the is Major General Amir Ikram, prices in Pakistan. The vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health, this Executive Director, NIH, Cansino Bio Company was the Cansino Biologists and Beijing is a multi-country multi-center Islamabad. first company in the world to Institute of Biotechnology China, clinical trial that Cansino Bio has The study is a tripartite activity conduct clinical trials of corona has been approved for clinical already launched in China, Russia, among the National Institutes of vaccine Phase 2 and trials of trials of the coronavirus vaccine Chile, Argentina and will soon Health, Cansino Biocompany and vaccine on humans. Phase 3. launch in Saudi Arabia. A. J. M Pharma. Continued on Page 08

Bill Gates appreciates

Founder: Ayaz Mahmood Pakistan’s flattened Publisher: M Hassan Mahmood Chief Executive: Syed Hashim Hasan COVID-19 curve /MedicalNewsPk Online Editor: Haseeb Uddin MN Report /MedicalNewsPk Assistant Editor: ISLAMABAD - The Microsoft founder-turned- Dr Muattar Hanif philanthropist Bill Gates has acknowledged Honorary Advisor: Pakistan's flattened COVID-19 curve. Dr Sulman Akhtur In an interview with CNN, Bill Gates said the in US. Gates said most US tests are "completely Manager Production & Coordination: M Irfan Ali situation of coronavirus in Karachi, Pakistan, but garbage" because it takes so long to return results. medicalnewspk.com Advertising Manager like Europe, they worked hard to bring cases Coronavirus tests across the US regularly take Tel: 021-35833172 SM Shakil (0300-2559344) down. Coronavirus cases have witnessed massive more than a week to return results, frustrating 021-35872289 Business Executives decline in Pakistan in recent days after which the public health authorities who rely on timely testing Khawaja Akhlaq Ahmed Pakistan government has decided to end the data. (0342-2393917) Haroon Rashid lockdown recently. The Microsoft founder said he thinks there's a (Islamabad: 0300-9710774) In an earlier interview, Bill Gates showed simple solution: Medical providers should only Designing & Layout Sh M Sadiq Ali dissatisfaction over the coronavirus testing system Continued on Page 08 100 doctors succumb to COVID-19 in Pakistan

MN Report KARACHI - As many as 124 healthcare professionals have succumbed to the coronavirus across Pakistan, including 100 doctors and 24 medical staff members, sources at the PMA told recently.

PMA Sindh new cabinet takes its oath

MN Report Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Senior Minister of KARACHI - The newly elected cabinet of the Sindh, was the Chief Guest for the ceremony, As per statistics issued by the Pakistan Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Sindh and Dr Kazim Hussain Jatoi, Secretary Health, Medical Association (PMA-Centre), as many took its oath of service in a recent ceremony. Government of Sindh, was the Guest of Honor. as 124 healthcare workers have lost their lives in the line of duty owing to the viral disease to date out, including 100 doctors and 24 medical staff members. The PMA further reported that COVID-19 had claimed the lives of 47 doctors in Punjab, 28 in Sindh, 18 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5 in Balochistan, and one each in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. The statistics said that nine paramedical staff members, six nurses, three pharmacists, a supervisor class IV, head waiter, ambulance driver, accountant, and two others have died due to the coronavirus so far in the country.

Another Congo patient New building of NICVD reported in JPMC Hyderabad opens for public MN Report KARACHI - Another Crimean-Congo MN Report Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) case was KARACHI - The National recently reported at the Jinnah Postgraduate Institute of Cardiovascular Medical Centre (JPMC). Diseases (NICVD), in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, has established the new building of the NICVD Hyderabad at Qasimabad, Hyderabad, to provide cardiology services to the population of Sindh at their doorstep free of cost. The soft opening of the new building of the NICVD Executive Director, JPMC, Dr Seemin Jamali, Hyderabad was performed by said a 22-year-old man, Muhammad Yousuf, the Executive Director of resident of Quetta, Balochistan, was reported NICVD, Prof Nadeem Qamar. in the hospital's emergency department with The NICVD Hyderabad is angioplasty, angiography, the people of Sindh closer to Congo fever-related complications. She another milestone to serve echocardiography, adult and their homes so that time informed that the patient tested positive during the population of Sindh, with pediatric cardiology, wasted in the shifting of the investigation. a vision to benefit patients electrophysiology, consulting patients could be reduced to She further informed that this is the second with early and easy access clinics, etc. The facility for save the maximum number Congo patient brought in the JPMC after Eid to quality heart healthcare cardiac surgery will be started of lives. ul Azha and a total of four fatal viral disease facilities. very soon. A formal inauguration of the cases had been reported in the hospital since The NICVD Hyderabad has Our vision and efforts aim to new building of the NICVD January 2020, out of which one had died. world-class cardiac facilities, provide the best available Hyderabad by the Chairman Experts said that the Congo fever is a fatal including a 24/7 emergency treatment in the area of of Pakistan People's Party Continued on Page 08 service, primary PCI, cardiovascular diseases to would be scheduled later.

02 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 PMA recommends opening educational COVID-19 claims 5 institutes after Independence Day, lives, infects 318 Muharram, and Rabi-ul-Awal others: Murad Shah MN Report KARACHI - Sindh Chief Minister, , said that COVID-19 has claimed five more lives lifting the death toll to 2336 and infected 318 others raising the tally to 126,743. He said this in a statement issued from the CM House noting that five more patients lost their lives fighting against the coronavirus lifting the death toll to 2336, which constitutes 1.8% of the death rate. Additionally, 318 more cases emerged when 8094 new MN Report tested for corona before the He said religious gatherings samples were tested that came to a 4% KARACHI - The government opening of educational would be held during detection rate. has announced the opening of institutes. One infected person Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awal. The CM said that so far, 906,323 tests almost all sectors in Pakistan can spread the disease to the It has been observed that 80 had been conducted against which from 8th August, which were whole institution. Moreover, to 85% of the people do not 126,743 cases emerged, of which shut down to prevent the they suggested opening follow SOPs nowadays. Even 120,241 or 95% of the patients recovered. spread of the novel educational institutes stepwise; in government offices, people Murad Ali Shah said that currently, 4166 coronavirus. According to the primary and pre-primary do not adopt preventive patients are under treatment, out of which announcement, schools and classes should be opened in measures. It is the 3782 are in home isolation, six in the marriage halls would open in the last. responsibility of the isolation centers, and 378 in different September. The government He said the PMA is surprised government to implement hospitals. is opening all sectors for the over the decision to open all SOPs strictly. The condition of 238 patients has been termed critical, including 36 who have betterment of the people; it sectors at the same time. We Dr Qaisar explained that other been shifted to ventilators. According to should save the people both are still monitoring corona countries eased their the CM, out of the 318 new cases, 133 from the coronavirus pandemic cases after Eid-ul-Azha; after lockdowns and opened belong to Karachi, including 50 to South, and the worsening economic five to six days, we will know different sectors after their 37 to East, 17 to Central, 14 to Korangi, conditions. how many new cases have cases decreased. Now cases 10 to Malir, and five to West. Secretary-General, Pakistan emerged after Eid. We believe have increased in the second Sanghar has 20 new cases, Mirpurkhas Medical Association (Centre), that the government has taken phase in countries like the 14, Shikarpur 13, Tando Allahyar nine, Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, in his this decision in haste because , UK, Brazil, Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad eight statement, said it is appreciable upcoming festivals like Australia, China, and South each, Sukkur, Khairpur and Matiari seven that the government will review Independence Day, Muharram, Korea. each, Kambar five, Larkana and Tando the situation before opening and Rabi-ul-Awal are very "It is a fact that the number of Mohammad Khan four each, Umerkot schools. We suggest that all close. This decision should coronavirus cases and the and Badin three each, and Hyderabad, the staff, including van drivers have been made after these number of deaths are and Jamshoro and Naushehro Feroze and attendants, should be festivals. Continued on Page 08 two each. Medical students stage protest against forceful evacuation of Boys Hostel building

MN Report KARACHI - The students of Dow Medical College living in the Boys' Hostel continued their protest demonstration outside the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) against handing over the Boys' Hostel Building to the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) by the Sindh Government. The protesters said that the Dow Medical College Boys' Hostel Building had been handed over to the IPMR's administration, and this decision is acceptable to the students. They said that the forced and illegal evacuation of the Dow Boys' Hostel is an injustice with the students. The students said that the protest demonstration would continue until the Boys' Hostel Building is restored. MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 03 Young lady doctor KMC fails to launch anti-dengue commits suicide fumigation drive in Karachi MN Report MN Report government. They informed authorities of the KMC are KARACHI - A young lady KARACHI - The Municipal that the staff, vehicles, and unable to start a fumigation doctor in Karachi recently Services of the Karachi machinery were available, but drive throughout the city to committed suicide by Metropolitan Corporation the Sindh government has not control the prevalence of allegedly shooting herself (KMC) has failed to launch the supplied insecticide chemicals mosquito-borne diseases. with a pistol in DHA fumigation campaign in to the KMC's Municipal The peak season of dengue Karachi. Karachi even though dengue Services Department for the has already started in the city Sources said that Dr Maha Ali Shah, and malaria cases are past three years. and will continue until daughter of Asif Shah, residents of increasing in different areas They further informed that the December, but no anti-dengue Mirpurkhas, worked as a doctor in a of the city fumigation private sector hospital of Karachi for following drive has several years. She was also suffering the been from clinical depression. monsoon started in Dr Maha Ali Shah allegedly shot herself rains. any part of following a domestic dispute. The anti- the city by dengue and the KMC malaria this year so CHK deprived of clean fumigation far. drive could The major drinking water not be sites of launched dengue are MN Report despite the nurseries, KARACHI - The underground water lapse of graveyards, reservoirs and overhead tanks of seven lakes, government-run hospitals are not being months, ponds, cleaned regularly; putting citizens' lives at stake Sindh Malaria Control swimming pools, tire shops, therefore, visiting in Karachi. The dengue larva Program was bound to water pumping stations, and admitted breeding has rapidly increased purchase insecticide hydrants, construction cities, patients had been due to poor sanitation chemicals and distribute them waste, and garbage dumping compelled to conditions in the city, as no among districts of the Sindh areas. drink concrete step has been taken province as per the demand, The Medical and Health contaminated in this health facility. as yet to control the but the program's Services Department of the An official of Sindh's largest tertiary care prevalence of dengue, management had not been KMC has also requested the hospital, the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital malaria, and other vector- providing insecticide KMC for launching an anti- Karachi (CHK), told that the underground borne diseases. chemicals to the KMC. dengue and malaria, and water reservoirs of this health facility were Sources at Municipal Service Although the Prevention and Congo fumigation campaign not being maintained or cleaned regularly by the hospital's administration. The noted that the KMC has been Control Program for Dengue in high-risk areas of the city visiting and admitted patients have been unable to launch the anti- in Sindh (PCPD) is conducting before the rains start in the compelled to drink hazardous polluted dengue fumigation campaign fumigation in some areas of city to control the possible water. due to the non-supply of Karachi after reports of outbreak of vector-borne He said more than 5,000 patients from insecticide from the Sindh dengue cases, the concerned diseases. Karachi, interior Sindh, and Balochistan visit the hospital's different OPDs every day. The visiting patients and their AKUH launches Pakistan’s first attendants have been compelled to drink polluted water of the hospital's nurse-led lactation clinic underground water reservoirs, while some patients and their attendants are using MN Report mineral water to avoid water-borne KARACHI - Addressing the diseases. This contaminated water is dire need of help and support also being supplied to various to mothers for breastfeeding departments of the hospital and staff their infants, the Aga Khan colony. University Hospital (AKUH) The official said that contaminated and recently launched the first of polluted consumption could develop water-borne diseases among patients its kind lactation clinic. This and their attendants. He said that people clinic aims to empower and are being compelled to purchase mineral help mothers across Pakistan water from medical stores for daily ensure their infants' good consumption. health from the day they are Similarly, the overhead tanks and born. underground reservoirs at the Abbasi Under the joint collaboration Shaheed Hospital, Jinnah Hospital of the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) and the Aga Khan Karachi, and other hospitals were also University Hospital, the clinic will serve mothers through both in-person and tele-consultations. not being maintained or cleaned for the Women who require additional support to breastfeed their new-borns or need counseling on past several months due to the slackness related topics such as returning to work while breastfeeding can benefit from this program. of the heads of healthcare centers. The attendees of the launch ceremony included the leadership of AKU and AKUH, Shagufta Medical Superintendent, Ruth Pfau Civil Hassan, Interim CEO, AKUH, Dr Asim Belgaumi, Chief Medical Officer, Salma Jaffer, Chief Hospital Karachi, Dr Noor Soomro, was Nursing Officer, Dr Lumaan Sheikh, Chair, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Service Line Chief, Women's Health, Dr Salman Kirmani, Chair, Women and Child Health, and Dr Rubina Barolia, not available to makeContinued any comments. on Page 08 Assistant Dean, SONAM. Continued on Page 08

04 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 Azra Pechuho visits Polio campaigns Landhi Hospital begin from 15 MN Report KARACHI - Minister for August in Sindh Health Sindh, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, recently visited the 50-bed Sindh Government- MN Report run hospital Landhi Corridor KARACHI: The Emergency where she vaccinated Operation Centre (EOC) for children to protect them from Polio in Sindh will conduct polio and monitored the EPI center at the a province-wide Oral Polio hospital. Vaccine (OPV) campaign The Landhi UC 2 is one of the eight high-risk in Sindh from the 15 to 21 UCs for polio in Karachi and is also the union August 2020. Spokesperson, EOC council where the only case of polio has been Sindh, said that the reported in 2020 in the city. The Minister campaign would take place checked the vaccination facility and spoke to in all 29 districts of Sindh the doctors and patients about the importance with a total target population of immunization for children and the protection of 9,255,925 children under they offer against childhood diseases. 5 years of age. In addition to "Two drops of the polio vaccine should be OPV, 8.3 million children given to every child during every campaign, from 6 months to 5 years of and doctors must ensure the same during age will also be given Vitamin routine immunization. Children must receive A drops to boost their these lifesaving routine vaccines to protect immunity levels. A total of them against diseases like measles, typhoid, 49,781 polio workers and polio, and others. This is what we need to 8497 area supervisors will ensure a healthy future for Pakistan's children." be deployed in the province The Secretary Health joined the Minister for for house-to-house Health, Dr Kazmi Jatoi, Coordinator EOC vaccination. Sindh, Fayaz Abbasi, Deputy Commissioner Minister for Health Sindh, Dr EOC Sindh, "While we deal than 10 persons will Malir, Ganwar Laghari, Technical Focal Person Azra Fazal Pechuho, on the with the pandemic, we must participate in evening review Federal EOC, Dr Altaf Bossan, Technical Focal occasion of Independence also ensure immunization to meetings. Person Sindh EOC, Dr Ahmed Ali Sheikh, Day, said, "As I wish prevent childhood diseases. In order to make up for the Team Lead UNICEF Sindh Polio, Dr Shoukat everyone a very happy Children can be saved from gap in campaigns, the EOC Ali, Team Lead NSTOP, Dr Zameer Phul, and independence day, I must childhood diseases like polio, Sindh requests all parents to others. highlight what we need to do measles, typhoid, and others cooperate with polio teams to ensure a healthy future for through vaccination, and we and give their under 5 the children of Pakistan. seek the media's help to children two drops of the EOC Coordinator monitors These polio campaigns are raise awareness regarding polio vaccine every time they of the utmost importance as this." are offered. The benefits of polio drive in Gadap we must give children the Following the halt in global vaccination far outweigh the oral polio vaccine to save polio campaigns from April risk of transmission after MN Report them from polio and to to June as a result of COVID- COVID, and the Government KARACHI - Coordinator, Emergency ensure a healthy future for 19, Sindh conducted a small- of Sindh is committed to Operation Centre (EOC) for Polio in Sindh, them. Pakistan is one of the scale campaign in District providing these life-saving two polio-endemic countries East and District West in vaccines to the children of Fayyaz Abbasi, recently visited high-risk UCs in the world along with Karachi during the month of the province so that the for polio transmission to monitor the progress Afghanistan and has so far July that covered 260,700 immunity gap can be of the polio campaign in Karachi. reported a total of 64 cases children under 5 years of decreased. The door-to-door Technical Focal Person Federal EOC, Dr Altaf of polio, out of which 21 age. The campaign was campaigns will also be Bossan, and Technical Focal Person EOC cases are from Sindh. It is conducted through following utilized to raise awareness Sindh, Dr Ahmed Ali Sheikh accompanied necessary that children all of WHO's recommended on COVID-19 prevention as him. receive these life-saving COVID-19 precautionary well as for referring mothers vaccines and also complete measures, and the same will and children for other their routine immunization." be followed during the essential vaccinations and Sindh had back-to-back August polio drive. antenatal care services. successful campaigns from These safety measures The Pakistan Pediatric December 2019 to March mainly include: all COVID- Association, medical experts 2020, which had gone a long 19 precautionary measures across the world, and major way to put the polio program to be followed during the religious scholars across on track. However, since the training of workers, all polio Pakistan and the region outbreak of COVID-19, no workers and supervisors will endorse the oral polio Coordinator, EOC Sindh, visited Jannat Gul campaigns could be use a face mask and hand vaccine, which is the safest Hospital, EPI Center, and the Emergency conducted while routine sanitizer during the fieldwork and most effective way to Response Unit Gujro, where he vaccinated immunization was also to reduce the risk of prevent polio and eradicate children with polio drops to protect them from severely affected, leaving an contracting and spreading it from the environment. Ten polio and gave them vitamin A to boost their immunity gap, which must COVID-19, frequency and billion doses of this vaccine immunity. immediately be addressed duration of evening review have been given to 3 billion He monitored the polio workers' activities and as children are more meetings at district levels will children across the world in motivated them by joining them in the field susceptible to the virus than be reduced to alternative the last decade because of and appreciating their work. before. days and maximum of 1 hour which 10 million polio cases According to spokesperson respectively and no more have been avoided.

MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 05 Blind Resource Foundation Pakistan MRI machine lying out signs MoU with DEPD Sindh of order at NICH MN Report MN Report KARACHI - The sole children's magnetic KARACHI - The Blind resonance imaging (MRI) machine at the Resource Foundation National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Pakistan (BRFP) and has been lying out of order since the past Department of Empowerment year. The hospital's administration has of Persons with Disabilities been unable to get the machine repaired, (DPED) Sindh recently sources at the NICH noted recently. discussed the issues and challenges faced by Sindh's blind community and resolved to work together and improve the quality of living of the blind people of the province. Hence, a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between them. Waqar Yunus, the President Braille soft copy of the entire Understanding the several of BRFP, highlighted the course from Grade I to Grade The MRI machine is used to help diagnose issues and challenges faced challenges the blind XII within a period of 1 year. a wide range of conditions in children due by the blind community in community faced due to the Mohammad Shakeel, General to injury, illness, or congenital abnormalities. Sindh as stressed by the Blind unavailability of course printed Secretary, BRFP, further After the sole pediatric MRI machine Resource Foundation in Braille. He said that added that the Blind Resource developed a fault, patients have been Pakistan. Syed Qasim education was the most Foundation Pakistan would compelled to get the test done from private Naveed Qamar, Special important factor in a human's also assist the DEPD in facilities that charge hefty fees. Pediatric Assistant to Chief Minister life, and blind students were printing the course in Braille patients with a variety of conditions within (CM) Sindh on DEPD, and deprived of this imperative so that education can be the brain, chest, abdomen, and other Mohammad Amin Memon, blessing. Pervaiz Sehar, made accessible for blind chronic diseases are being referred to Principal, Government Special Secretary, DEPD, and Jalal students. private laboratories since the past several Education Hyderabad, and Uddin Meher, Additional Both the parties months. Chairman, HIC, assisted the Secretary, DEPD, agreed with acknowledged that this would An administrative official at the NICH BRFP in arranging a meeting Waqar Younus. be a huge step in reshaping confirmed that the MRI machine has been with the DEPD to resolve their The BRFP voluntarily blind people's lives for many lying out of order for one year. He informed many underlying problems. proposed to produce the years to come. that the tender has already approved the purchase of a new MRI machine for the institution. Director, National Institute of Child Health, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) Prof Syed Jamal Raza, was not available Essay contest winners announced to make any comments. Dog critically injures MN Report (10-12 years and 13-16 years) inculcating the importance of child in Korangi KARACHI - Nestlé Pakistan in each essay category. One healthy lifestyle and physical announced the winners of the winner and one runner-up activity in their daily lives." MN Report Nestlé for Healthier Kids were selected from each age He added, "The N4HK KARACHI - A suspected mad dog critically (N4HK) essay competition, a group. N4HK would like to initiative is part of our injured a two-year-old child in the Gulzar writing contest for primary and congratulate the winners, who commitment to United Nations Colony area of Korangi Town. secondary school Sustainable Development students. This unique Goal (SDG) 3 of Good activity by Nestlé Pakistan Health and Well-Being, to was organized for the ensure that children youth to engage their understand the value of creative capacities nutrition as they grow resulting in 1,100 entries older. So far, the program from across Pakistan and has reached about Pakistani expatriate 220,000 children and The dog attacked Kaleem Ullah, who was families living in the 1,100 teachers in playing outside his home along with , Qatar, Jordan, Pakistan." children in Gulzar Colony and critically the UAE, and the US. Launched in 2010, keeping injured his face and one eye. The said dog The competition consisted in view the malnutrition has also injured a neighbor who tried to of three essay categories: challenges among children rescue the child. 'Poor hygiene may invite many will be awarded a certificate, in Pakistan, N4HK is a nutrition The child's father rushed to the LRBT Eye diseases,' 'Significance of and their entries will be proudly awareness program educating Hospital, where the child's condition was immune system,' and 'I have published on Nestlé Pakistan's parents, teachers, and stated to be out of danger. to stay at home because of website. caregivers to induce a healthy Stray dogs have become a serious public some widespread Talking about the activity, lifestyle among school-going health issue in the city, and the population communicable disease. I must Waqar Ahmad, Head of children. N4HK makes a of stray dogs is increasing at an alarming practice self-care through Corporate Affairs, Nestlé collective effort with its rate in Karachi because there is nobody healthy and stress reduction Pakistan, said, "The idea partners to help address and to get rid of them. If a rabid dog bites a activities'. behind the essay contest was overcome the nutrition person and they are not vaccinated against The competition was geared to engage young children, challenge to give children a rabies, there is no chance of their survival. towards two age groups enhance their creativity while happier and healthier future.

06 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 Children diagnosed with MIS-C need urgent treatment: ChildLife Foundation

MN Report red eyes, and swollen hands or similarities to Kawasaki Disease medication. This disease has a KARACHI - Parents should bring feet, they should immediately and Cytokine Release Syndrome. very good prognosis if identified their children to the ChildLife contact the ChildLife Emergency "It tends to be more severe in timely, and children are stabilized. Foundation's Emergency Rooms Rooms (ERs) established under children of less than one year of "Since ChildLife runs children's established in government the public-private partnership in age or children with underlying emergency rooms in all major hospitals if they see symptoms of all government teaching hospitals health problems," said Dr Huba. public hospitals, we cater to the MIS-C (Multisystem inflammatory across Sindh and Balochistan. "Most of the children came with poorest of the poor," she added. syndrome in children) disease as "We received around 25 multi-organ failure; however, we It is pertinent to mention that the this can cause them severe suspected cases in our managed to stabilize them in our ChildLife Foundation is treating discomfort. Emergency Response Centers ERs by starting antibiotic more than 2000 children per day Dr Huba Atiq of the ChildLife across Sindh, and out of which treatment immediately," she at its 10 Emergency Rooms (ERs) Foundation said that if parents three have been confirmed with added. in government teaching hospitals notice symptoms like unusual this disease," said Dr Huba. She said that ChildLife uses across Sindh and Balochistan. weakness or fatigue, red rash, She added that this syndrome predefined WHO guidelines to These ERs have been functioning abdominal (belly) pain, vomiting results from an abnormal immune identify these children and provide 24/7 despite the current medical and diarrhea, red cracked lips, response to the virus with some them with immediate life-saving emergency. KIHD faces multiple problems in catering to cardiac patients

MN Report years. The hospital's KARACHI - The cardiac administration has been unable emergency and OPD patients of to provide treatment facilities to the Karachi Institute of Heart visiting patients with Diseases (KIHD) have continued cardiovascular diseases. He said to suffer due to the lack of that needy patients had to facilities in the city's second- purchase costly medicines to largest cardiac care health facility. save the lives of their loved ones An administrative official at the from private medical stores. KIHD said that the hospital has The hospital urgently needs four been facing an acute shortage new echo-machines, ICU, and of medicines for the last eight CCU equipment to improve years, while equipment like patient care in the institution. The angiography machines, echo existing echo-machines are very machines, ECG machines, and old and outdated; therefore, there X-ray machines have also been is a need for new echo, ECG, lying out of order. He said and angiography machines. He medicines are even not available said that the liability costs are for patients with cardiac increasing day by day in the emergencies. hospital, which was putting extra Around 200 patients were brought to the private medical stores. burden on the poor patients. emergency department each for treatment, He said that the city's second-largest cardiac Senior Director, Health and Medical Services, but the attendants of the patients were advised care health facility run by the Karachi Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Dr by doctors to purchase injections, drips, and Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is facing a Birbal Genani, was not available to make any other life-saving medicines from specific severe financial crisis for the past several comments.

MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 07 Pakistan green-lights Phase ... of Sinopharm and other China- program an academic opportunity maintain social distancing and wear Continued from front page based disease control authorities as well so that we can develop more a mask responsibly. Avoid self- The company published its Phase and research institutes. lactation consultants for and beyond medication as it only puts your own 1 trial results in May 2020 and AKU," said Dr Sheikh, while life at risk. Consult a professional if Phase 2 results in July 2020. Bill Gates appreciates ... speaking on the importance of you have any concerns. As part of this study by the National Continued from front page empowering women in Pakistan to You can watch the webinar session Institutes of Health, Pakistan will be receive payment for tests if they breastfeed their children. on Medical News Pakistan YouTube on the list of priority countries that return results within 48 hours. For Lactation clinic consultation can be channel. will have early access to the corona years, Gates had warned that the availed through both in-person vaccine. US was unprepared for a massive clinics at our Stadium Road campus PMDC puts blame on Ministry ... China will also supply a coronavirus pandemic. Since the onset of or via. tele-clinics. Continued from page 12 vaccine candidate developed by a COVID-19, the Bill and Melinda Practitioners Regulations 2008," it unit of China National Gates Foundation has heavily Dr Malik highlights ENT ... states. Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) funded testing and vaccine Continued from page 12 The letter adds that the matter of to Pakistan as part of a trial research. Permanent damage in the upper 606 candidates who passed the agreement, reported the Wall Street respiratory tract is rare; however, exam was considered by the PMDC Journal (WSJ). Another Congo patient ... loss of smell and taste may continue ad hoc council's NEB Committee in State-owned Sinopharm is set to Continued from page 02 for up to six months. a meeting on June 17, and after work with the University of Karachi viral disease spread via tick bites, When it comes to the initial deliberation it was decided to write on vaccine trials, according to the a parasite that lives in the blood of symptoms of COVID-19, loss of to the ministry for notification. WSJ report, which said Pakistan animals. People who deal with cattle taste and smell was reported in "It is requested that the approval of will receive enough doses early in and livestock mainly contract the more than 70% of the presenting the government of Pakistan is distribution to vaccinate about one- Congo. patients. The three most commonly required under section 15 of the fifth of its population. The Congo virus's major symptoms encountered symptoms aside from PMDC Ordinance 1962 substituted The initial doses will be used to include backache, joint pain, pain fever included coughing and loss by section 17 of the Medical and vaccinate the most vulnerable in the abdomen, high-grade fever, of breath, loss of taste and smell, Dental Council (Amendment) Act among the Pakistani population and bleeding from any part of the and diarrheal symptoms. 2012 and names of the candidates including the elderly, healthcare body. In response to a question regarding be published in the official gazette," workers and people with medical presenting symptoms, Dr Malik the letter, written by PMDC Registrar conditions associated with serious PMA recommends opening ... informed that unlike the regular flu Dr Hafizuddin Ahmed Siddiqui, said. cases of COVID-19, the report Continued from page 03 that starts with high-grade fever, According to PMDC rules, only those added. decreasing in Pakistan from July, COVID stays within 99 to 100 medical and dental graduates who Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine but unfortunately, as per our degrees for a week or so, and then have major postgraduate appeared to be safe and triggered information, the number of cases is it increases. A characteristic ground qualifications such as a diploma from antibody-based immune responses increasing in Skardu, Gilgit, and glass appearance is chest X-rays the American Board, Fellowship of in early and mid-stage trials, other nearby areas. We are scared is essential for COVID diagnosis the Royal College of Surgeons in the according to researchers. that our graph may not increase along with PCR, he added. , or their equivalent The candidate has already moved again. It could increase the burden For doctors, since they are in close are exempt from the NEB into a late-stage trial, one of a over our hospitals and healthcare contact with patients, I recommend examination. All others, especially handful of candidates being tested workers as it happened after Eid- that they use the N95 mask without those who studied their MBBS in a on several thousand people to see ul-Fitr. According to the PMA's a filter or respirator. A simple surgical language other than English, have if they are effective enough to win report, 101 doctors and 24 mask is sufficient for others who to clear the NEB. regulatory approval. paramedics lost their lives in this are not at a high risk of acquiring An official from the PMDC said that Sinopharm is testing the potential war against coronavirus," he added. the infection. the purpose of the NEB examination vaccine in the United Arab Emirates Reinfection is possible with the was to examine the competency and in a Phase 3 trial expected to recruit AKUH launches Pakistan’s ... coronavirus. Viruses can change skills of medical and dental doctors 15,000 people, as China has too Continued from page 04 their gene sequence and thus to maintain minimum standards of few new cases to be a useful trial "This is a very important service. reinfect an individual in the form of medical and dental education. site. Our trained nurses and a different variant. For this reason, The shot did not cause any serious play a very important role in bringing people should continue to practice Polio claims two children ... side effects, according to a paper forth this kind of integrated care even after recovering, he Continued from page 12 published in the Journal of the healthcare," said Ms Hassan while noted. Meanwhile, health teams managed American Medical Association addressing the attendees. Dr Malik ended his session, saying to trace the immediate contacts of (JAMA) by scientists who are part "Our aim is to make this support that I would advise people to Talha -Noor Fatima and her younger sister from Ravi Town. The NIH report stated that Noor Fatima was fully immunised and had received the last dose of polio vaccine on March 18; the girls did not have a significant travel history. It, however, confirmed that she carried the poliovirus in her body, while the test reports of her sister were awaited. Earlier on July 9, a six-month-old boy had succumbed to the disease in Taunsa Sharif. Polio campaigns had remained suspended for three months due to COVID19. However, the Punjab polio programme in-charge, Sundas Irshad, said in a statement on Saturday: `As a response, polio campaigns have been restarted to save more children from the virus. Monthly campaigns will ensure that the virus is eliminated this year. She urged parents to get their children vaccinated.

08 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 DUHS conducts webinar on World Hepatitis Day

MN Report unnecessary use of injections impaired functioning. In this case, pain, nervousness, and dizziness KARACHI - Director, National caused 800 people to get infected the liver needs to be transplanted. - all of which also present in other Institute of Liver and with HIV, of which 82% were Furthermore, he said Hepatitis B diseases. Fatty liver disease could Gastrointestinal Disease, Dr children. He said hospital waste could be passed from a pregnant be confirmed by ultrasound, Nadeem Syed Hassan, said that material should be disposed off mother to a newborn baby while biopsy, or fibrosis. 15 million people in Pakistan are properly. Syringe needles should a breastfed baby will be safe if Furthermore, she said that we infected with Hepatitis B and C, especially be cut off so that they fully vaccinated. He said, shaking need to improve our daily routines, with numbers increasing rapidly. cannot be reused. hands, hugging, and eating daily exercise, fresh juices, fresh The use of injections is four food, and avoid junk food. times higher in Pakistan than It can significantly reduce in the rest of the world, just the severity of the disease. because of people of She said in this disease, generally believing that it aids the patient's health is in the quick healing. Around 17 to hands of the patient more 50% of syringes are recycled than the doctor's. and reused in the country, Addressing the webinar, which is the main reason for Dr Abdullah bin Khalid said the increase in Hepatitis in that usually when patients Pakistan. are infected with Hepatitis, He said this while speaking it takes 10 to 15 years for at a webinar organized at the the liver to start shrinking. Dow University of Health Symptoms do not appear Sciences under the at first, but the liver begins Department of National to contract. Later on, there Institute of Liver and may be symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases. bloody vomiting, water in Medical Superintendent, Prof the stomach, and Zahid Azam, Assistant Prof Tayyab Medical Superintendent of Dow together does not spread the drowsiness. It needs to be treated Usmani, Assistant Prof Sabihta Hospital, Prof Zahid Azam, said disease. promptly. Patients who present Shabir, Assistant Prof Abdullah Bin that Hepatitis is a silent killer Speaking on occasion, Asst Prof with drowsiness only have six Khalid, and Assistant Prof Kelash because the symptoms do not Sabihta Shabbir said that the months to live. also addressed the webinar. appear initially. Every Pakistani primary cause of liver failure in the Asst Prof Kelash said transplants Furthermore, according to a survey should get tested for Hepatitis last few years had been fatty liver. could save lives when the liver conducted in 2007-8 in Pakistan, because, with timely diagnosis, About 40% of people with liver stops working in Hepatitis. In 2.5% of the people were infected this deadly disease can be easily disease suffer from fatty liver Pakistan, the donor is usually a with Hepatitis B and 4.8% with treated. disease. This can cause severe close relative, while the practice Hepatitis C. According to a recent Addressing the webinar, Asst Prof damage to the liver and slowly of donating outside Pakistan is survey conducted in Punjab only, Tayyab Usmani said that if a impairs function. She said 10 to common. The patient usually stays 17% of the people were infected person has had Hepatitis for more 20% of the people in Pakistan in the hospital for 12 days while with Hepatitis C, while 2.2% were than six months, we refer to it as suffer from fatty liver disease. the donor has to stay in the hospital infected with Hepatitis B. a chronic disease. The symptoms About 70% of obese people suffer for a week. The increase in liver The reason for this is unsafe blood do not appear initially, which is from fatty liver disease, while 30% transplants in Pakistan is due to transfusions, unsafe physical why it is essential to get tested of diabetic patients also suffer from the rise in the number of patients. relationships, unhygienic dental early on. Hepatitis can be the ailment. This disease usually Doctors usually try to protect instruments and other instruments, dangerous because the patient's has symptoms such as nausea, patients from surgery as surgery and the unnecessary use of liver begins to shrink in 2 to 8 loss of appetite, weakness in the comes with its own risks, he injections. In Pakistan, the years, causing stiffness and body, loss of weight, abdominal concluded.

Children’s Hospital administration shuts emergency services due to non-payment of salaries

MN Report working under the Poverty Eradication disposals due to the unavailability of funds. KARACHI - The administration of the Sindh Initiative have not been paid their due Poor patient attendants have been compelled Government Children's Hospital North salaries for three months by the Sindh to buy medical essentials from local medical Nazimabad Karachi run by the Poverty Government. More than 300 employees, stores due to the unavailability of such items Eradication Initiative (PEI) has shut down including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and in the hospital's emergency department. its emergency department over the non- administrative staff, have been deprived of Sources said that the Sindh government had payment of three months salaries. their salaries due to the ongoing financial not released the hospital's funds, and the Children who require emergency care are crises. administration has been facing problems in being referred to other public and private Sources at the Children's Hospital told that continuing services in these circumstances. sector health facilities since the last couple the Sindh Government had not released the They informed that the Sindh government of days as the PEI management has closed last quarter of the fiscal year 2019-20, which owes our budget, and if this continues, the emergency services in protest. The doctors, has created a funding problem. The PEI hospital will be shut down in the coming nurses, and paramedical staff working in the administration has been unable to pay the months. emergency department have refused to work salaries of the staff. Chief Executive Director, Poverty Eradication until the clearance of outstanding dues. The hospital's management has also been Initiative (PEI), Dr Muhammad Toufiq, was The doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff unable to provide medicines and surgical not available to make any comments.

MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 09 ‘AKUH’s Child Connect is parents’ one-stop solution’

MN Report and Chief Quality and KARACHI - Focusing on Patient Safety Officer, and the importance of quick first Dr Ali Saleem, Service Line response in children's care, Chief, Children's Hospital, the Aga Khan University amongst others. Hospital (AKUH) recently 'During this catastrophe, launched Child Connect, a we want to continue free-of-cost one-stop focusing on quality. We aim solution for parents. to keep innovating and This solution revolves improving child healthcare around the understanding services on an everyday that children are often basis,' said Ms Hassan unable to fully while discussing Child communicate the pain of Paediatric Clinician for prescription and facilitation Midwifery (SONAM), Dr Connect's role to improve their illness and need early medical advice, completely with appointments and Asim Belgaumi, Chief the quality of care for intervention for ailment free-of-cost. emergency care. Medical Officer, Salma children further. relief. Based on the child's The attendees of the Jaffer, Chief Nursing 'During the pandemic, it The Children's Hospital of medical history, the launch ceremony included Officer, Dr Abdul Gaffar has been extremely difficult the AKUH aims to enhance Paediatric Clinician will the leadership of AKU and Billoo, Professor Emeritus, for parents to connect with its delivery of care and provide a diagnosis and the AKUH namely Shagufta Department of Paediatrics the hospital or a doctor. attention to every patient next course of action the Hassan, Interim CEO, and Child Health, Dr Child Connect will make it based on the level of their parents should take. Where AKUH, Dr Adil Haider, Salman Kirmani, Chair, easier for parents to access medical needs and needed, Child Connect will Dean, AKU Medical Department of Paediatrics pediatricians for timely child urgency. Parents can now provide the next steps in College, Dr Rozina and Child Health, Dr care.' said Dr Billoo, while call the AKUH helpline to the child's treatment plan, Karmaliani, Dean, AKU Hasnain Zafar, Associate highlighting the importance get connected to an on-call including necessary School of Nursing and Professor, General Surgery of timely care for children.

‘12 out of 14 ambulances are non-functional at CHK’

MN Report KARACHI - As many as 12 ambulances of the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi have been lying out of order for several months. No attempt has been made by the hospital's administration to get them repaired, noted sources at CHK.

They informed that there are around 14 ambulances in the hospital to facilitate patients out of which 12 are out of order. He said that now two ambulances are being used for the transportation of patients and officials. Sources also noted the two operational ambulances also require maintenance on an urgent basis. They said that the patients' attendants are facing immense problems in shifting patients from the CHK to other hospitals of the city due to the absence of ambulances. Although funds are available for the repair of ambulances, no attempt has been made to get these out of order vehicles repaired. Medical Superintendent, Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Noor Soomro, was not available to make any comments. 10 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020 11 Dr Malik highlights PMDC puts blame on Ministry for delay in registration of doctors ENT manifestations MN Report participation from the these graduates will be ISLAMABAD - While Punjab Young Doctors issued PMDC certificates. in COVID-19 patients foreign medical and dental Association. Reminders have already graduates have A PMDC spokesperson been sent to the ministry by Dr Sonia Sameen announced plans to said the council requesting for prompt NT doctors have been labeled the most prone protest outside the notification so the E to the threat of the coronavirus. Dr Malik Jawad Pakistan Medical and PMDC can issue Faisal, Associate Professor, ENT Department, PIMS Dental Council certificates," the and FMDC, Finance Secretary, PMA Islamabad, (PMDC) recently, the spokesperson said. former General Secretary, Pakistan Society of Pakistan Medical and A letter from the Otorhinolaryngology, and a founding member of the Dental Council PMDC to the ministry Pakistan Rhinoplasty Association, recently conducted (PMDC) has blamed states that 606 a webinar session with Medical News Pakistan in the delay in the candidates passed which he discussed the ENT manifestations of registration of doctors step three of the NEB COVID-19. on the Ministry of exam on Feb 1 and 2, National Health according to the Services (NHS). completed the verification results of the National More than 600 foreign process of candidates in University of Medical graduates who passed the July and sent details of Sciences in . National Examination graduates to the NHS "The exam was Board (NEB), conducted ministry for notification on conducted during the by the Pakistan Medical July 9 but is still waiting tenure of PMC which Commission (PMC), were for a response. allowed a number of not registered because "As soon as the ministry candidates to appear in ENT specialists are the most prone to the virus since the PMC was declared sends the notification, the exam who were not the coronavirus is an aerosol generated virus. One null and void by the certificates will be issued issued eligibility letter by of the best things that ENT specialists can do to Islamabad High Court. to these doctors. Lists of the council which is protect themselves at this time is to place a The graduates have 93 graduates and 425 mandatory requirement as transparent glass or plastic sheet on their table to announced that they will graduates have been sent per Pakistan Registration serve as a protective shield. Try to use a bigger table protest outside the PMDC for notification by the of Medical and Dental to ensure a greater distance between the patient recently, with support and ministry. After notification, Continued on Page 08 and the , said Dr Malik. As ENT specialists, it is particularly problematic for us to wear face shields because it impairs us from wearing our headlight - an essential inspection tool. Polio claims two Instead of manipulating the tongue depressor yourself, ask your patient to hold it and then examine from a distance, he noted. Another factor that is children within crucial here is a detailed medical history. Minimize contact as much as possible. Use a headlight to two weeks examine from a distance. If it is not possible, wear a face shield and use a torch and disposable MN Report arthroscope tips to examine patients, said Dr Malik. LAHORE - A second polio-related death ENT doctors should also make it a habit to wash was reported recently in the city within their nostrils and gargle when washing their hands two weeks after a 14-year-old boy died with the same virus. after every patient consultation, he advised. of the crippling disease at Mayo Hospital. Referring to the NIH report, the Viral transmission is primarily due to nasal inhalation Talha of Ravi Town had died, two days spokesperson said that when Talha was of aerosol droplets making the nasal cavity the first after he was declared a suspected case shifted to the Government Said Mitha entry point. The reason why social distancing was of polio. The National Institute of Health Hospital here on July 25, doctors recommended to tackle the spread of this virus (NIH) and the Punjab health authorities declared him a suspected patient of because the coronavirus is a heavy virus that travels confirmed it recently while officially poliovirus. for a maximum distance of 1 meter, and then it finds notifying the death. "The child was fine till he developed its way to the ground, he told. Earlier, 26-month-old Muhammad Ali fever along with vomiting followed by Allergic patients are more prone to the virus as their had died of the disease at Children gradual weakness of both the lower nasal and throat mucosa are already inflamed and Hospital on July 14, an official privy to limbs," the report reads. damaged. Since the initial barrier to the infection is the information told Press. It stated that the boy was later notified already damaged, it leaves the upper respiratory This was the third death from polio in as suffering from Acute Flaccid Paralysis tract is more prone to faster dissemination and further Punjab, which was also confirmed by (AFP) with provisional diagnosis of damage by the virus. Many asymptomatic people the provincial government in a statement Guillain Barre Syndrome, the most managed to contract the virus and combat it as well issued recently. common cause of AFP in healthy infants due to their nasal and throat secretions. Allergic The official said that all four limbs of Ali and children. patients are already immunocompromised, and their were paralysed and he had suffered a He was shifted to Mayo Hospital where symptoms might be masked, so they are at very stroke which led to his death. his condition became critical due to high risk. He was also a resident of Ravi Town, a difficulty in breathing and the weakness In response to a question concerning any permanent health department spokesman, told in upper limbs progressed, the report damage related to COVID-19, Dr Malik said that permanent damage, if any, is only in the lungs in the Press. further stated. Talha was then shifted to form of fibrosis, which leads to reduced lung capacity. He said Talha's death was officially the COVID-19 intensive care unit confirmed after health teams traced two and placed on a ventilator where he Continued on Page 08 minor girls, who were his immediate died on July 27. contacts, and found one of them infected Continued on Page 08 12 MEDICAL NEWS / August 15-31, 2020

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