Indus Vitals

IV Report KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on September 9 inaugurated a renovated urban dispensary in Bilal Colony, Korangi, which the provincial government aims to transform into a centre providing both primary healthcare and family planning services under an initiative of Green Social Marketing (GSM). Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Pechuho said the government remained committed to ensuring that women, mothers, and children had access to quality healthcare and reproductive health services. “Upgrading facilities like Bilal Colony is a vital step toward universal health coverage and healthier communities,” she observed. The ceremony was also addressed by GSM Chief Executive Officer Dr Syed Azizur Rab, who noted that the dispensary upgrade formed part of a wider transformation plan supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) of GSM . “More than 50 health and population facilities across Sindh are being improved under this programme. The Bilal Colony facilit...

IV Report KARACHI: The 27th biennial convention of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (Pima) kicked off at the Karachi Expo Centre on September 21, highlighting the increasing costs of treatments and emphasising prevention measures and healthy lifestyles. The medical conference drew a large participation of doctors, healthcare professionals, medical faculties, and students from Pakistan and abroad. Experts discussed infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), genetic diseases, safe drinking water, sanitation, and medical curricula. They noted that quality medical care is becoming unaffordable due to rising costs and NCDs, including cancers and genetic disorders. "Disease prevention is crucial, focusing on protective vaccinations, health education, and screening for early detection," the experts added. There were observations that scarcity of clean drinking water and proper sanitation was also adding to the waterborne illnesses like cholera and diarrhea. Medic...