Tag: (AKUH)

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AKUH Awarded the Prestigious Sindh Healthcare Commission License 

Karachi, August 20, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) was awarded the prestigious Sindh Healthcare Commission license, as a testament to our quality and continuous improvement in the standard of care we provide to our patients. The license was awarded in recognition of AKUH’s compliance with stringent quality standards set by the provincial healthcare commission, based on a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the local healthcare landscape.

Speaking at a ceremony hosted at the AKU Auditorium on our Stadium Road campus, Sindh Health Care Commission CEO, Dr Ahson Qavi Siddiqi said, “quality is an ongoing process, which entails exceeding the patient expectations by constantly raising the bar, and improving upon existing processes.” Dr Ahson lauded AKUH for its commitment and contributions to quality in the standard of care being provided to the patients.

He also confirmed that AKUH was the first provincial hospital to achieve the minimum service delivery standards of the healthcare commission. Welcoming the initiation of this new partnership with the provincial healthcare commission, Dr Shahid Shafi, CEO, of The Aga Khan University Hospitals, Pakistan remarked that the license signifies AKUH’s commitment to constantly enhancing and improving the quality and standard of care provided to the people of Sindh and Pakistan.

The Sindh Healthcare Commission is a health regulatory body that was formed after the passing of a Parliamentary Bill in 2013. The regulatory body oversees the working of the provincial healthcare system, comprising of public or private hospitals, non-profit organizations, charitable hospitals, trust hospitals, and semi-government and autonomous healthcare organizations.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

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World Hepatitis Day 

Karachi, July 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):

What is Hepatitis?

Often termed the ‘silent killer,’ Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is one of the leading causes of liver failure and liver cancer. While it can be dangerous if neglected, an effective diagnosis of the disease in its early stages can help stop liver damage. Types A, B, and C are the most common form of Hepatitis.

In 2021, over 145,100 deaths occurred due to Hepatitis C, making it the deadliest form of Hepatitis. It is believed that only 10% of Hep C cases are diagnosed, with treatment standing at only 1%. This paints a grim picture, especially since the disease is fully curable.

Causes

Transmission of the disease is through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person. Reuse of needles and injections, use of unsterilized equipment for tattoos or dental procedures etc., unprotected intercourse, and sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors can increase the risk of contracting the virus.

Treatment and Safety

It is recommended that all adults aged 18 or above should get tested for Hepatitis at least once in their life. It is advisable to follow precautions and approved medical advice to protect yourself against the disease.

While there are vaccines to protect oneself from Hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C. Therefore, the onus is on us to practice caution and follow safety guidelines such as:

1. Do not share personal items like toothbrushes and razors

2. Do not share needles or syringes when injecting drugs

3. Be vigilant of equipment cleanliness when getting tattoos, piercings, or manicures

4. Practice good personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene

5. Practice safe sex

Diagnosis of Hepatitis is performed through blood tests. If you have contracted the disease a liver function test may be advised to determine the extent of damage to the liver. Sometimes, a liver biopsy may be needed, which helps identify the form of treatment that may be appropriate.

The disease can be tackled effectively by taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor, however, early diagnosis plays an essential role in ensuring successful and timely treatment and disease management.

To book an appointment, call: 021-111-911-911

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

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AKUH’s Secondary Hospitals Receive Quality Management System Re-certification 

Karachi, July 13, 2022 (PPI-OT):In recognition of their superior health services, patient satisfaction, and effective application of health delivery, The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Pakistan’s four Secondary Hospitals have received the globally recognised ISO 9001:2015 recertification, an international standard for Quality Management System in healthcare.​

This recertification is a testament to our Secondary Hospitals’ dedicated efforts to enhance patient care and experience through the effective operations of our health delivery system, and by undertaking continual process improvement. It shows the fact that our Secondary Hospitals are compliant with ISO 9001:2015 standards requirements, and we serve our patients with high-quality standards, which they depend on, trust and have confidence in.

The audit​saw all four hospitals demonstrate full compliance to ISO’s Quality Management System standards bases required, including conformance to regulatory requirements. No major or minor non-conformity was observed in the results, which is a tremendous achievement.

Dr. Mairaj Shah, Chief Operating Officer, AKUH Secondary Hospitals Pakistan, lauded all medical, nursing, and administrative units for their dedication, resilience, and hard work throughout the audit and for ensuring all regulatory requirements for the audit were successfully met.

“We serve our patients with high-quality standards, which they trust and have confidence in,” Dr. Mairaj stated while describing the significance of the ISO 9001:2015 recertification and the AKUH Secondary Hospitals’ commitment to the provision of quality healthcare services to its patients.

AKUH’s Secondary Hospitals in Garden, Kharadar, Karimabad, and Hyderabad provide quality care to women and children. The inpatient services offer mother and child care while almost all services are offered at the consulting clinics, labs, and diagnostic services. It also provides referral facilities to patients for our other physicians, medical centers, diagnostic units, and hospitals.​

In addition to facilitating patients with medical care at affordable charges, our welfare support and Zakat program are available for deserving patients who are unable to pay for our medical services. It has been made available to make sure that all strata of society get access to our quality care irrespective of their background.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

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A Step Towards Nursing Empowerment: AKUH Introduces Float Pool Nursing Initiative 

Karachi, July 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) strives to empower its employees and continues to focus on introducing opportunities and initiatives for them to prosper while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In line with this philosophy, a new initiative has been developed to empower nurses with a flexible work model – the Nursing Float Pool. Under this initiative, currently out-of-the-workforce nurses will work four to twelve shifts a month. It will allow them to maintain their skills and credentials, and remain abreast of professional developments, without a full-time work commitment.

This flexible work model is ideal for nurses who are well trained and eager to continue their professional careers, maintain their license, and earn an income, but unable to work full-time due to personal reasons.

Applicants for this initiative undergo a challenge test, a customized orientation programme, and re-certification of specific competencies. Successful candidates are then credentialed within the AKUH Nursing Credentialing Policy.

This initiative was a result of recommendations from the Hospital’s Nursing Task Force set up in 2021, jointly led by the Dean of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) and Chief Nursing Officer of AKUH, to promote the profession of nursing, retain nurses and bring back nurses who gave up their careers to take care of their families or other personal reasons.

Last month, The Aga Khan University Hospital’s (AKUH) Nursing Education Services were also reaccredited as an International Training Centre (ITC) by the American Heart Association (AHA).

The accreditation recognised and acknowledged the impact of the Nursing Education Services Team’s course instructors (nurses and physicians) and Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) Team for their extensive collaboration and great efforts in achieving this milestone. ​​

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

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AKUH’s Nutrition and Food Services Division Gets ISO 2000:2018 Certification

Karachi, June 28, 2022 (PPI-OT): Maintaining its commitment to remain atop international standards and attaining global quality certifications, The Aga Khan University Hospital’s Nutrition and Food Service Department (NFSD) has qualified for the highly acclaimed ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System certification, after the successful completion of stage-2 assessment.

 

The assessment, conducted between 13-15th June 2022, involved a rigorous audit of NFSD’s food management system and processes. According to the International Organization for Standarization (ISO)​, this food safety management system certification, ‘reinforces an organization’s control on food safety hazards and ensures that its products are safe for consumption.

 

The certification is therefore an acknowledgment of AKUH’s commitment to promoting the best food safety practices, through a thorough accountability process, and providing the best possible care attention to our patients’ nutritional requirements.

 

Mr. Rahim Yaqub, Head of NFSD, congratulated his team and acknowledged the efforts taken by the department as it underwent a rigorous evaluation process. This comprised of a food safety management system development, documentation review, compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point or HACCP, and a total conformity with ISO standards.

 

“I would like to thank all the members on my team and those associated with the department for providing us continuous support during the audit period,” says Mr Yaqub lauding the effort of the team and institution on this commendable accomplishment. He reflected that though the audit and preparation is a limited duration effort, the true journey of quality is everyday with every meal and every patient, and stressed that ultimately, that is the goal of getting this certification, that our quality of food and food services, are best in class and meet the highest standards.

 

For more information, contact:

Marketing and Communications,

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)

Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-111-911-911

Email: akuh.information@aku.edu

Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

 

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Summer Illnesses in Children 

Karachi, June 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):Summers can be fun for children on vacation but the season brings its own set of illnesses and diseases in children. For parents, it becomes important to exercise caution and employ the necessary precautions to keep their children safe and healthy during the extremities of the season.

Common Summer Illnesses

According to Dr Arshalooz Rahman, Assistant Professor Paediatrics and Child Health at the Aga Khan University, “The most common summer illnesses found in children are Gastroenteritis and food poisoning which usually occur due to contaminated water and food,” adding that this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Similarly, heat stroke and heat exhaustion during hot temperatures are also common because of excessive sweating. A decrease in water intake can otherwise also lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Dr. Arshanooz adds, “During the monsoon season, we also see spikes in mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue fever due to excessive outdoor exposure. Skin issues such as boils, pimples, heat rash and pink rash appearing on the head, neck, and shoulders are similarly also common.”

Symptoms

Common symptoms for various summer-related illnesses include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, general weakness because of electrolyte imbalance, and skin infections.

Preventing Summer Illnesses

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Summer illness can be prevented by adopting safe and hygienic practices such as consuming clean drinking water and hygienic food. The use of electrolyte solutions like ORS in diarrhea and during heat waves is helpful. Seek immediate medical advice in case your child is suffering from high fever and skin infections.

Keep your child safe by following these simple precautionary steps:

Using zinc supplementation for acute watery diarrhea

Installing mosquito netting on doors and windows, and wearing covered clothes after sunset to prevent bites

Consuming boiled or bottled water

Practicing proper hand washing, before and after eating

Consuming well-cooked, hygeinic food

Bathing daily to keep the skin clean

Wearing loose and lightweight cotton clothing

Avoiding being outdoors during peak heat timings, especially during the afternoons

Regularly disinfecting swimming pools to keep water safe, and have trained supervision available.

A Note on Accidental Injuries

Another thing that is seen more in the summers is accidental injuries. With children being outdoor more, they tend to engage in more physical activities, which should be encouraged but which can also lead to accidental injuries. These can be avoided with proper supervision and by being thorough in general safety guidelines like wearing helmets while riding bicycles, knee pads when playing cricket, shin guards when playing football, etc. ​

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/