IHHN’s i-Hope Winter Volunteer Program Inspires Youth at The Indus Hospital

Karachi, The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) successfully conducted its i-Hope Winter Volunteer Program at the Indus Hospital, Jubilee Town Lahore in December 2023. The program, part of the Indus Yaqeen initiative, is designed to engage youth in societal development, while enhancing their leadership and public-speaking skills. Students from Roots IVY School participated in this enriching experience.

According to The Indus Hospital, the i-Hope Volunteer Program provided students with a diverse range of activities. They visited various departments of the hospital, including the OPDs, wards, and the ER, under the guidance of Dr. Seemi Sadia. The program included insightful sessions on Empathy, Health & Safety, Mental Wellbeing, Giving Back to Society, and Motivation. The opening session was led by Dr. Shafiq, COO of IHHN North, with contributions from several other notable speakers.

The program concluded with the students presenting their experiences of interacting with IHHN’s patients, the activities they undertook, and the insights gained from the sessions they attended. Dr. Tasman Ibne Rasa, CEO of IHHN North, delivered a closing speech, encouraging the students to work diligently towards their goals and support the noble cause of IHHN. The students were awarded certificates of participation and shared their positive experiences at the hospital. They expressed admiration for the free-of-cost health facility, the friendly staff, the infrastructure, and the hospital’s cleanliness.

Indus Hospital and Health Network Laboratory Achieves CAP Accreditation

Karachi, The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) Clinical Laboratory has successfully attained accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), a prestigious recognition that underscores its commitment to healthcare excellence. This accreditation follows a rigorous evaluation process and a successful live inspection, marking a significant achievement for the laboratory in its first attempt at CAP compliance.

According to The Indus Hospital, the IHHN Clinical Laboratory met the stringent 2131 standards set by the CAP, demonstrating proficiency, accuracy, and reliability in its test results. The comprehensive accreditation covers various sections of the laboratory, including Chemical Pathology, Cytogenetics, Flow Cytometry, Hematology, Histopathology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. This achievement is an endorsement of the laboratory’s exceptional quality and its contribution to delivering optimal patient care.

Dr. Nazia Khursheed, Chair of Pathology at IHHN, expressed her gratitude and congratulations to the team for their hard work and dedication, which made this achievement possible. Dr. Zafar Zaidi, CEO of IHHN, also commended the outstanding staff for their teamwork and dedication in realizing the dream of achieving CAP accreditation.

This accreditation from CAP not only enhances the reputation of IHHN as a leader in healthcare services but also reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in patient care and laboratory services.

Indus Hospital Hosts Educational CME on Advanced Stool Sample Processing Techniques

Karachi, Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus, recently hosted a highly informative Continuing Medical Education (CME) session, accredited by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). The CME, organized by the hospital’s Department of Microbiology and Clinical laboratories, was dedicated to discussing best practices in stool sample processing, a critical aspect of laboratory medicine.

According to The Indus Hospital, the CME, held on December 12, 2023, was part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and knowledge of its medical staff. The accreditation process for this educational event was facilitated by IHHN’s medical directorate. The onsite session was attended by 38 participants, including consultants from various hospital departments, as well as residents, medical officers, and technologists, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to multidisciplinary learning.

Dr. Nazia Khursheed, Head of the Clinical Laboratory department at Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus, delivered the opening remarks. The event also featured presentations from esteemed speakers such as Dr. Ambreen Fatima, Dr. Fareeha Adnan, Dr. Moiz Ahmed Khan, Mr. Shakir Hussain, and Nazia Parveen, covering various aspects of stool sample processing. Dr. Qurat Ul Ain Zahid, a resident of the clinical laboratory, moderated the session.

The CME provided a platform for medical professionals to gain insights into the latest practices and techniques in laboratory medicine, ensuring high-quality patient care. Such events are crucial for the ongoing professional development of healthcare providers, aligning with the hospital’s mission to provide the best medical care and services.

World Diabetes Day Conference at Ziauddin University Focuses on Management and Awareness

Karachi, in observance of World Diabetes Day, Ziauddin University’s Department of Medicine and Allied and the Departments of Research and Molecular Medicine hosted a conference at the university’s auditorium. The event was centered around raising awareness and educating the public about diabetes management and living with the disease. The conference brought together a multidisciplinary panel of experts including doctors, nurses, dieticians, and research scientists to discuss comprehensive diabetes management strategies.

According to Ziauddin University, the conference featured several key speakers who shared their insights on various aspects of diabetes. Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza, the executive director of research and head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, addressed the rising prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan, particularly among individuals aged 35-64. She introduced new drug targets and discussed the promising role of OMIC technology and precision medicine in diabetes treatment.

Professor Dr. Masood Hameed Khan emphasized insulin resistance as a primary cause of diabetes, advocating for continuous blood glucose monitoring and lifestyle changes including increased physical activity and a balanced organic diet. Prof. Dr. Uzma Ghori presented a holistic, person-centered approach for managing Type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of timely screening and new diagnostic criteria. Dr. Fatima Jhangir focused on patient-based treatment options and the critical role of dietary choices in managing the condition.

Further contributions included Dr. Abdul Hameed’s discussion on the necessity for new anti-diabetic drugs and the importance of weight loss in diabetes remission, while Dr. Fasiha Sohail addressed the ethical considerations in prescribing antidiabetic drugs, highlighting the need to consider conflicts of interest and patient preferences.

The conference served as a platform for sharing valuable knowledge and advancements in diabetes management, reflecting the university’s commitment to contributing to the global fight against this increasingly prevalent disease.

Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases Achieves Milestone as Pakistan’s First Thalassemia Screened Hospital

Multan – The Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases (MIKD), part of the Indus Hospital & Health Network, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Thalassemia screened hospital in Pakistan. This initiative reflects the institution’s dedication to the health and well-being of its staff, extending beyond its primary focus on kidney-related ailments.

According to release from The Indus Hospital, MIKD has conducted Thalassemia screening for all its 684 employees, marking a proactive step towards addressing the genetic disorder. Mr. Syed Ali Imran Zaidi, the Director of MIKD, expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, noting the importance of regular screenings and counseling for the prevention of Thalassemia.

Mr. Zaidi emphasized that this initiative is not just a commitment to healthcare but also sets a positive example for other medical institutions across Pakistan. The hope is that other organizations will follow this lead, contributing to the broader goal of a Thalassemia-free future in the country. The screening of all employees at MIKD symbolizes a significant step towards this vision, and it is anticipated that similar efforts will be adopted nationwide.

Alkhidmat Foundation Commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Lahore, Alkhidmat Foundation marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with nationwide ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities for disabled persons in social and national life. A special event in Lahore highlighted Alkhidmat’s significant contributions, including the distribution of mobility aids to thousands of disabled individuals across Pakistan.

According to Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, the organization has reached a milestone in its ongoing efforts to support physically challenged individuals, having distributed over 37,000 wheelchairs across the country. The commemorative event in Lahore, held on Multan Road, saw the distribution of 50 wheelchairs to physically disabled individuals and 50 white canes to visually impaired persons. The ceremony, which included cash awards to outstanding students, was attended by notable figures such as Secretary General of Jamaat e Islami Pakistan Ameer ul Azeem, Vice President of Alkhidmat Zikrullah Mujahid, and President of Alkhidmat Central Punjab Ikram ul Haq Subhani.

Representatives from various organizations dedicated to the welfare of disabled individuals, including Hamza Foundation, Rising Sun Education & Welfare Society, and Friends of Paraplegics, were also present. The event underscored Alkhidmat’s commitment to ‘leave no one behind’ and aimed to raise awareness and support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

During his speech, Ameer ul Azeem stressed the need for all institutions to become more accessible and friendly to special needs individuals. He called for a united effort among organizations working for the welfare of disabled persons to ensure the implementation of existing legislation and to promote their rights.

Zikrullah Mujahid highlighted that, UNDP statistics, over 14 million people in Pakistan are disabled. He outlined Alkhidmat’s substantial contributions, including the distribution of 7,000 wheelchairs this year alone. The event concluded with an awareness walk, demonstrating solidarity with people with disabilities and acknowledging their contributions to society.