Indus Vitals

Doctors and religious scholars stress informed decision-making, warn against health risks of unsupervised fasting KARACHI: As Ramadan approaches, religious scholars and diabetes specialists have warned that fasting without proper guidance can pose serious health risks for patients with diabetes. They stressed that those medically advised not to fast should not feel guilty, as Islamic teachings provide exemptions for those whose health may be harmed. The caution came during the “Diabetes and Ramadan Patient Awareness Program” organised by the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE) at Dow University of Health Sciences’ Ojha Campus. The event was chaired by NIDE Director Dr Musarrat Riaz and attended by numerous diabetic patients along with their family members. Speaking at the seminar, Dr Musarrat Riaz said the programme aimed to provide “accurate, scientific, and practical guidance” to diabetic patients regarding fasting. She highlighted the need for collaboratio...

Marking World Heart Day, PMA calls for prevention, early screening, and wider awareness to curb disease burden IV Report KARACHI: As Pakistan joined the world in marking World Heart Day on September 29, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) warned that heart disease has reached crisis levels in the country, urging urgent policy action, early screening, and sustained public education to save lives. In a statement, PMA Secretary General D   r Abdul Ghafoor Shoro noted that nearly 80 percent of premature deaths caused by cardiac disease could be prevented. “The burden can only be reduced through collective effort, beginning with individual responsibility and supported by government-led interventions,” he said. He emphasised that the issue should be treated as a national health emergency, requiring substantial investment in prevention and early care. D   r Abdul Ghafoor Shoro The association called for stronger primary healthcare facilities equipped with diagnostic tools...

IV Report KARACHI: The Directorate of Global Engagement at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), in collaboration with the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, organised an event last week at Dow Medical College (DMC) to mark “Parotid Gland Diseases Day.” The event aimed to enhance awareness among postgraduate ENT trainees about parotid gland disorders, while also highlighting recent advancements in surgical techniques and interdisciplinary approaches involving general surgery and faciomaxillary specialties. According to a university press release issued on July 18, DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Jehan Ara Hassan attended the event as chief guest. She was joined by DMC Principal Prof Saba Sohail, Director of the Professional Development Centre Dr Farjad Sultan, and several senior medical faculty and specialists. Speakers shared insights into the evaluation and surgical management of parotid gland diseases, particularly focusing on chal...

KARACHI: A staggering 304,069 dog bite cases were reported to the public sector healthcare facilities in Sindh in 2024, with a yearly average increase of 25,800 cases since 2021, exposing the province's struggles to contain the stray dog menace and prevent the spread of rabies. Experts and literary searches reveal that rabies poses a significant public health threat due to the presence of a large stray dog population. These animals frequently attack people without provocation, necessitating treatment and protection from rabies in both urban and rural areas. However, decision-makers and authorities are struggling to find effective solutions to manage the stray dog population. A senior KMC health officer emphasised that town, union council, or district municipalities are responsible for managing stray dogs, as well as other wildlife. “Despite the high incidence of dog bite cases, authorities have yet to find a meaningful solution, with debates surrounding culling or spaying/neute...

IV Report                              KARACHI: World Heart Day (WHD) 2024 celebrations concluded on September 29 with a flurry of activities highlighting cardiovascular disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles under the theme "Use heart for action." The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) organised a "World Heart Day Ride" on September 29, led by Dr Saulat Fatimi, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery. In collaboration with Docs on Wheels, the event drew 600 cyclists, including students, doctors, nurses, hospital leadership, and civil society members. The ride aimed to raise heart health awareness, covering a route from Karsaz Road to Shahrah-e-Faisal, Drigh Road, and back to the AKU campus. Dr Fatimi emphasised, "Around half of people with heart diseases are diagnosed after death. Our goal is to create awareness about heart care and regular checkups through events like mini-marathons and cycling."  ...

IV report KARACHI: Stressing the need for awareness, a senior legal professional associated with the federal government's complaints addressing body on harassment, Sabika Shah, highlighted the gravity of workplace harassment in Pakistan. At an awareness seminar organised by Hamdard University (HU), Ms Shah, Regional Head of the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (Fospah), cited a survey revealing that "all Pakistani women face this serious problem at least once in their lifetime." Shah defined harassment, noting, "It's not limited to men harassing women; a man can harass a man, and a woman can harass a female colleague." She emphasised that men and transgender persons are also vulnerable to workplace harassment in Pakistan, ranked among the five worst countries for sexual harassment. The Fospah head explained that any action, including staring, touching, or suggestive speech, can be deemed an offence. Discrimination based o...