Indus Vitals

IV Report KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) inaugurated its 29th Chest Pain Unit (CPU) at Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Bin Qasim Town, Karachi, on May 12. The facility, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by trained professionals, is the latest addition to a rapidly expanding network that has already served over 1.7 million patients in the last seven years. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, SICVD Executive Director Prof Dr Jawaid Akbar Sial highlighted the pivotal role of the CPUs in saving lives across the province. “With the establishment of this latest CPU, we are bringing world-class, 24/7 cardiac emergency services right to the doorstep of the people of Gulshan-e-Hadeed,” he remarked. “All services at SICVD facilities, including this new unit, are offered entirely free of cost with the generous support of the Sindh government.” The event was graced by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab , who formally inaugurated the new facility ...

IV Report KARACHI: The Hamdard Foundation Pakistan recently convened another session of its Naunehal Assembly, focusing on the pressing issue of children's mental health. The event, held at the Bait al-Hikmah Auditorium, explored challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue among young people. Renowned psychologist Dr Muhammad Imran Yousuf, the chief guest at the session, delivered an insightful keynote address, emphasising that adopting positive habits significantly improves mental well-being. “Students should set clear academic goals and pursue them with full dedication,” he said, underscoring the value of discipline, hard work, and focus. “Every small success boosts confidence. Perseverance is a virtue every student should nurture.” Paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Hakim Mohammad Said, founder of the Hamdard Foundation, and acknowledging the contributions of the foundation’s current president, Sadia Rashid, Dr Yousuf stressed the role of cultur...

The province records an average of 269 new HIV cases every month since January 2024; Mirpurkhas saw a staggering 110pc spike in HIV cases in last quarter of 2024; data shows shifting HIV trends across Sindh, with sharp surges in Karachi’s Malir district; in the absence of transparent data and evidence-based action, Sindh risks deepening HIV crisis By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Hyderabad and Larkana, which ranked first and second, respectively, among Sindh’s six high-burden HIV districts in 2024, have maintained their troubling positions in 2025. Together, they account for 187 new HIV cases so far this year — representing 22% of the province’s 856 registered cases — compared to a combined 637 cases (18% of 3,446 total infections) last year, according to a new analysis of the district-level data. In contrast to persistent transmission challenges in these two districts, Mirpurkhas — previously the third most affected district— recorded a significant decline, falling to fifth place wi...

A forum of experts observing World TB Day last month lamented that Pakistan continues to lack indigenous data on diseases—the data that is critical to influence policy decisions and track progress, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). TB and other infectious and contagious diseases remain growing concerns, as reported in this newspaper and echoed by specialists who stress that locally generated data is vital for understanding disease epidemiology, trends, and overall burden. There is no doubt that reliable data empowers policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities alike to take informed decisions regarding disease strategies, resource allocation, and programme implementation. It is nonetheless commendable that medical experts, despite systemic hurdles, have consistently sounded the alarm on the nation’s infectious disease burden. Relying on their own field studies and, often, on overwhelming internationally disseminated estimates, they have kept the spotlig...

ST File photo Experts call for comprehensive regulations to address the rising influence of nicotine products among youth and curb tobacco-related health risks. KARACHI: Highlighting alarming trends uncovered by a recent national study on tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents aged 10 to 16, experts at a seminar have called for stronger enforcement and expansion of existing laws to include emerging nicotine products, which they described as a persistent public health crisis. The seminar, titled “Tobacco & Media: Shaping Perceptions and Driving Policy,” was organised under the Voice Against Tobacco (VAT) initiative of the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), Karachi. It brought together civil society representatives, media practitioners, and senior health professionals to discuss the growing influence of the tobacco industry on Pakistani youth. A central focus of the discussion was the unchecked availability of nicotine pouches, raising questions about r...

  Professor Jehan Ara Hasan takes over as acting vice chancellor after Dr Saeed Quraishy's tenure, described as one of "visionary leadership," "institutional growth," and "pioneering healthcare initiatives." IV Report KARACHI: The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has entered a new chapter of its journey today (April 29), as the institution begins operating under an acting vice chancellor following the departure of Professor Dr Mohammad Saeed Quraishy, who completed his second consecutive four-year tenure as vice chancellor on April 28. According to a notification issued by the Sindh government's Universities and Boards Department, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jehan Ara Hasan, a Meritorious Professor, will assume the "look-after" charge of the vice chancellor's office effective on April 29. She will continue in this acting capacity until a regular vice chancellor is appointed by the controlling authority upon recommend...

    Thatta declared Pakistan’s most malaria-affected district; new AKU-led initiative aims to create a model for nationwide elimination. IV Report KARACHI: On World Malaria Day, April 25, stakeholders launched a major initiative aimed at eliminating mosquito-borne infectious diseases in Thatta, which they identified as the most malaria-burdened district in Sindh, Pakistan. The launch ceremony, held at the Aga Khan University (AKU), was attended by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho—who also serves as the Patron-in-Chief of the project—as the chief guest. Attendees were informed that Thatta had reported 10,000 malaria cases in 2023, the highest count in the country, according to a press release issued by AKU. "The government of Sindh is proud to support this incredible initiative, which has the potential to uplift suffering communities across Sindh," said Minister Dr Pechuho. The initiative, known as the Thatta Malaria Elimination Plan (TMEP), envisio...