Hyderabad: Patients entering Aga Khan Hospital in Hyderabad are now greeted by a familiar face, Dr Muhammad Saleem, a distinguished expert in diabetes and endocrinology who has opted to serve his local community instead of pursuing lucrative opportunities abroad. This decision marks a significant shift in healthcare accessibility for the region, as Dr Saleem brings his extensive expertise back home after advanced training in the UK.
In 2022, Dr Saleem returned to Pakistan, leaving behind potential prosperity elsewhere, driven by a commitment to enhance healthcare standards in his home country. As the first endocrinologist at Aga Khan Hospital, Hyderabad, his presence means local access to specialized care for conditions that are prevalent in the area, such as diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
“Diabetes and endocrine issues are escalating rapidly in Pakistan, especially in Sindh,” Dr Saleem notes. “My mission extends beyond treatment to include patient education, awareness, and training other healthcare providers to extend care beyond the clinic.”
His dedication is already yielding positive results, with earlier diagnoses and better management of chronic conditions among patients. Dr Saleem envisions establishing a centre of excellence in Hyderabad, integrating clinical care, education, and research to ultimately prevent these diseases.
Dr Saleem’s journey is intrinsically linked to Aga Khan University, where he began as a research fellow and later completed his internship and postgraduate training. He was the first to secure a fellowship in Endocrinology at AKUH, and his research achievements have earned him accolades like the Best Research Fellow in 2021.
Despite significant accomplishments abroad, including training in the UK and memberships in esteemed organizations, Dr Saleem’s primary objective remains impactful service. “Small interventions can significantly alter lives here, which is why I returned. Access to specialist care can be life-changing,” he asserts.
Dr Saleem’s return signifies a promising future for local healthcare, fostering improved outcomes and setting a precedent for other specialists considering similar paths.