health

Around 18 percent of Pakistani teenagers aged 15 years and above are suffering from high blood pressure due to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, high salt intake, tobacco consumption, gaming addiction, and social media use leading to physical inactivity. About 46 percent of adults aged 18 and above have raised blood pressure, contributing to the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country, health experts revealed during a news conference at a hotel.

Renowned health expert and General Secretary of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM), Dr. Somia Iqtidar, highlighted that many young people and adults are unaware of their elevated blood pressure, which silently damages their blood vessels and vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes, potentially leading to death.

The press conference was held to launch the Discovering Hypertension project, a CSR initiative of a pharmaceutical firm in collaboration with five leading medical societies. The project aims to screen one million people for hypertension by June 30, 2025, across 500 sites in Pakistan. Those found to have hypertension will be referred to 100 specialized clinics for management and treatment.

Experts noted that physical inactivity, consumption of junk and processed food high in sodium, and tobacco use are major causes of hypertension among Pakistani youth.

Renowned neurologist and President of the Neurology Awareness and Research Foundation (NARF), Prof. Muhammad Wasey, stated that hypertension is a leading cause of stroke in Pakistan, claiming over 400,000 lives annually. He identified air pollution, high per capita oil consumption, tobacco use, high salt intake, and physical inactivity as leading causes of hypertension in Pakistan. Prof. Wasey urged people to eat simple foods with low sodium, walk at least 40 minutes daily, avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, and abstain from smoking and vaping.

President of the Pakistan Hypertension League (PHL), Prof. Nawaz Lashari, and Prof. Fawad Farooq, General Secretary of the Pakistan Cardiac Society (PCS), emphasized the impact of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diets and lack of exercise, on the increasing prevalence of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.

Actress and brand ambassador of the Discovering Hypertension project, Aamina Sheikh, expressed her surprise and concern about the damage caused by high blood pressure and pledged to promote preventive measures and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity.

Project Director of Discovering Hypertension and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PharmEvo, Syed Jamshed Ahmed, stated that the project aims to screen around one million people for hypertension. Blood pressure screening facilities will be available at 500 sites across Pakistan, and those found to be hypertensive will be connected to 100 clinics for management and treatment. The theme of the project is “check, change, and control.”

Ahmed emphasized the project’s goals to create awareness about hypertension, educate at-risk individuals to change their lifestyles, and connect chronic patients with physicians to prevent cardiac disease, stroke, and other ailments.

Several other health experts, including lifestyle medicine expert Dr. Shagufta Feroz and Dr. Masood Jawed, also spoke at the event. A large number of cardiologists, family physicians, diabetologists, and medical students were in attendance.

To empower and provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities, the Social Welfare Department Punjab is establishing medical boards at district and tehsil levels for their certification and registration, following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

As part of a historic campaign to uplift persons with disabilities across the province, the Punjab government has initiated several measures. These include reserving a three percent job quota for persons with disabilities in both government and non-government sectors, as well as providing technical education and financial assistance to support their educational endeavors.

Furthermore, interest-free loans will be offered to assist disabled individuals in establishing businesses or meeting their financial needs. Special concessions will also be provided in public transportation, including buses, trains, and flight fares, to facilitate the mobility of disabled individuals.

As part of the Provincial TB Control Programme’s efforts to diagnose and control Tuberculosis in Balochistan, 30 digital x-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) will be deployed to all districts of the province. Dr. Asif Shahwani, Provincial Manager of the TB Control Programme, stated that these AI-equipped machines, provided by the Global Fund, will not only diagnose TB stages but also provide insights into other pulmonary diseases.

Once installed in the districts, there will be no need for radiologists, as mentioned by Shahwani. Technical training sessions will be initiated to train the technical staff for operating the digital x-ray machines effectively.

Currently, there are 15,000 TB patients in the province, with 17% being children. Efforts are being made to enhance tracing of affected individuals. Treatment duration for TB has been reduced from 18 to six months with the support of the programme. Each patient receives Rs 10,000 for food and Rs 2,000 for traveling expenses monthly for check-ups. Additionally, four mobile vehicles equipped with modern machines and detection tools are active in remote areas to facilitate TB patients.

The programme has established around 200 TB control centres equipped with modern microscopes, working tirelessly for TB prevention. Patient data has been digitalized for effective monitoring.

Furthermore, PMDT centres have been established in Quetta, Loralai, and Turbat, along with three satellite centres as pilot projects in Hub, Noshki, and Jaffarabad. Oxygen plants will be installed in teaching hospitals, and incinerators will be fixed in district headquarters hospitals for solid waste disposal.

Over the next three years, around 5,000 health workers will be trained in TB prevention, with incentives provided. Additionally, 2,000 lady health workers and 200 lady health supervisors have been trained in TB prevention under the programme.

A TB control officer has been appointed in each district to head and monitor the programme.

Deputy Commissioner Sanghar, Dr. Imran ul Hassan Khowaja, has announced that approximately 236,000 children will receive vaccinations in 4 talukas of Sanghar district during the measles and rubella prevention campaign.

The campaign, scheduled from May 20 to 25, 2024, has been fully prepared for, according to Dr. Khowaja, who made the remarks while inaugurating the campaign at the Civil Hospital Sanghar.

He urged parents and social mobilizers in the district to cooperate with health department teams and ensure that every child aged 5 to 59 months receives vaccinations against measles and rubella.

In attendance at the inauguration were District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Daulat Jamali, Civil Surgeon Dr. Shabeer Channa, Incharge Lady Health Workers Dr. Hina Shabeer, Dr. Deedar Khaskheli, Dr. Murtaza Sial, and other health department officials.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Khowaja emphasized the importance of media collaboration with the information department to raise awareness about the vaccination campaign. He encouraged highlighting any negligence to ensure accountability for those responsible.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Thursday congratulated the Federal Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP) on unveiling its Third-Party Validation Report

Addressing the ceremony, it was highlighted that the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, along with the Federal Sehat Sahulat program, is dedicated to enhancing the health status of citizens and ensuring continued program accessibility for every individual in Pakistan.

The report, conducted by the Health Services Academy and presented by Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan and Ms. Kinz ul Eman, showcased the TPV report, emphasizing significant progress in improving access to quality healthcare services and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiary families.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad commended the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sehat Sahulat Program, and implementation partners such as the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan and NADRA. He also acknowledged technical support from GIZ, Pakistan, and WHO in realizing the vision of Health for all, stating that the Sehat Sahulat Program has transformed the healthcare landscape in Pakistan.

Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Health Secretary, praised the Sehat Sahulat Program for enhancing healthcare service delivery and reducing out-of-pocket expenditures for inpatient care, inviting everyone to join this noble initiative, highlighting that collective efforts can lead to a healthier future for every Pakistani citizen.

Muhammad Arshad, CEO of the Federal Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP), expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan for their continuous support, noting that despite challenges, the program has made significant progress towards Universal Health Coverage. He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to improving quality healthcare delivery through institutionalization, with the aim of achieving ‘Health for All.’

Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, applauded the SSP’s alignment with global health objectives and reiterated WHO’s support for Pakistan’s journey towards UHC.

Representatives from provincial governments and international partners, including WHO, GIZ, and the World Bank, acknowledged the program’s impact in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable healthcare solutions.

Professor of Medicine Dr Ahmad Bilal has said unhealthy lifestyle, food habits and lack of physical activities are increasing hypertension and other diseases cases in the country

Professor of Medicine Dr. Ahmad Bilal has stated that unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity are contributing to the rise in hypertension and other diseases in the country.

He made these remarks during a seminar held in connection with World Hypertension Day at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The seminar was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan and was followed by an awareness walk.

Dr. Ahmad Bilal emphasized the importance of incorporating at least twenty minutes of walking into daily routines. He recommended that individuals aim for 10,000 steps each day to improve their health, noting that modern smartphones offer step-counting features that can assist in this goal.

He also advocated for adopting the habit of rising early and going to bed early. Dr. Bilal highlighted the dangers of excessive salt consumption, recommending that one teaspoon of salt per person per day is sufficient, as overconsumption leads to various health issues.

Regarding meal habits, he suggested having breakfast by eight o’clock, ensuring lunch is lighter than breakfast, and dinner lighter than lunch. Additionally, he mentioned that men’s waists should measure 35 inches or less, and women’s waists should measure 30 inches or less to maintain good health.

Dr. Bilal expressed concern over the rapid increase in diabetes cases in Pakistan.

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan pointed out that the proliferation of information technology has led people to become more sedentary, avoiding physical exercise in parks and playgrounds. He stressed the need for raising awareness about healthy activities to foster a healthier society capable of contributing effectively to the country’s development.

He emphasized that a healthy body is crucial for a sound mind and criticized the growing consumption of junk food and the neglect of nutritional aspects, which are exacerbating health problems in society. Dr. Khan mentioned that the university is making deliberate efforts to promote sports activities and raise health awareness.

Dr. Jalal Arif added that changing lifestyles are the primary cause of increasing health care costs. He called for promoting positive attitudes and fostering a society of peace and brotherhood alongside addressing health problems.

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash. Scabies can lead to skin sores and serious complications like septicaemia (a bloodstream infection), heart disease and kidney problems

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, laying eggs and resulting in intense itching and a rash. Dr. Rajendar Dhirani, a dermatologist, shared these insights while speaking with APP on Wednesday.

He explained that scabies spreads easily from person to person, particularly among those who live in close proximity. Children and older individuals in resource-poor areas face a higher risk. While scabies can be found worldwide, it is especially common in tropical regions with limited resources, affecting children and older individuals. The prevalence among children in such settings can range from 5% to 50%, and recurrent infestations are frequent.

Transmission of scabies occurs through close skin contact with an infested individual, such as sharing living quarters. The risk of transmission is higher with a higher level of infestation, especially with crusted scabies. While transmission through contact with infested personal items like clothes and bed linens is unlikely with common scabies, it may be significant for those with crusted scabies. Additionally, since there is an asymptomatic period during infestation, transmission can occur before symptoms appear in the initially infested person.

Symptoms of scabies include severe itching, often worsening at night, as well as linear burrows and bumps on the fingers, wrists, arms, legs, and belt area. In infants and small children, a larger rash may be present, including on the palms, soles of the feet, ankles, and scalp.

He emphasized several precautions to prevent the spread of scabies, including avoiding skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, particularly if they have an itchy rash. Treating all household members if someone has scabies helps prevent the mites from spreading. Additionally, washing and drying bedding and clothing that has come into contact with the infested person, using hot water and sunlight or a hot dryer cycle, can help eliminate the mites. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for a week to eradicate the mites, and rooms should be cleaned and vacuumed after treatment, especially in cases of crusted scabies.

Regarding treatment, Dr. Rajendar Dhirani mentioned that scabies can be treated with topical creams or oral medication, especially in severe cases. Itchiness may worsen for 1–2 weeks after treatment initiation. Oral ivermectin is highly effective but should not be taken by pregnant women or children weighing less than 15 kg. Since treatments do not kill the parasite’s eggs, they should be repeated to eliminate newly hatched mites. Even individuals without symptoms should be treated to reduce the spread within households.

Furthermore, other treatments may be necessary to address complications of scabies, such as bacterial skin infections or impetigo, for which antiseptics or antibiotics may be prescribed.

The administration of the college says that the student who was expelled at the later stage was allegedly involved in gathering the students for protests following death of a student

In response to the alleged protest staged by a student who was expelled for violating discipline, Avicenna Medical College has issued a statement clarifying and shedding light on its standard of education and learning environment.

The college aimed to address what it described as “staged protests” tarnishing its image and reputation. This reaction came after students protested against what they deemed “strict discipline” causing mental stress, citing five deaths within the past couple of years.

Dr. Shandana Sheikh, Chairperson, shared the background of the student involved in the protest. The student, unnamed, was a football player and Class Representative of Class M22. However, an accident resulting in a broken leg led to fear of failure and depression.

A discipline committee meeting was convened on February 28 following a notification from the college principal on February 24, investigating the student’s reported harassment of junior female students and previous disciplinary cases.

The committee noted the student’s academic improvement post-recovery from the accident but found involvement in four disciplinary and harassment cases.

Chairman of the Discipline Committee, Prof Dr. Khalid Mehmood, revealed the student’s prior expulsion from Liaqat Medical University, Karachi, due to disciplinary issues.

Considering the incidents and the student’s condition, the committee recommended informing the parents of the proceedings and advising resumption of psychiatric treatment. The student was terminated from the college immediately.

Despite student concerns about fines and punishments, the college emphasized the importance of attending classes and becoming professional healthcare providers.

The college also revealed that the student attempted to link a student’s death to the college’s discipline regime but was subsequently absolved of charges by a University of Health Sciences body.

A student emphasized that fines keeping students focused on studies are necessary for their academic progress.

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in Sargodha district organised a blood donation camp for children suffering from thalassemia, here on Friday

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in Sargodha district organized a blood donation camp for children suffering from thalassemia on Friday.

The blood donation camp was conducted in collaboration with the Social Work Department of the University of Sargodha, Police Protection Centre Sargodha, Safe Life Organisation Sargodha, Give Life Foundation, and Executive Council of Alumni University of Sargodha.

Twenty-four students from the Social Work Department of the University of Sargodha and other citizens participated in the blood donation camp, contributing blood free of cost for children affected by thalassemia.

Deputy Director of NCHD Sargodha, Mehr Umar Daraz Jhawari, expressed the sentiment that saving the life of one person is akin to saving all of humanity. He pledged that NCHD Sargodha would continue to serve humanity with the support of all its stakeholders and welfare organizations.

Deputy Commissioner, Rizwan Qadeer Wednesday said that the five-day anti-measles campaign will start from May 20 in urban tehsil of City of Saints

Deputy Commissioner Rizwan Qadeer announced on Wednesday that a five-day anti-measles campaign will commence on May 20 in the urban tehsil of the City of Saints.

During a meeting of the health department, Qadeer revealed that a total of 271 teams have been assembled for the campaign.

CEO Health Dr. Faisal Qaisrani provided a briefing on the measles campaign in Tehsil Multan.

Children up to the age of one year will receive free vaccinations, with 59 teams stationed at temporary fixed points across various locations to administer the vaccine.

Qadeer assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to maintain the cold chain of the vaccine.

Furthermore, he mentioned that supervisors have undergone training on a mobile app to monitor the campaign effectively.