Death toll of martyred Palestinians rises to over 420

More than four hundred and twenty Palestinians have been martyred in massive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip destroying several residential buildings affecting mostly civilians including hundred of women and children.

According to media reports, about 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2200 others wounded since escalation started between the two sides in the region.

The United Nations has appealed for the creation of humanitarian corridors to bring food into Gaza.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit is in Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to discuss the dire situation in Gaza Strip.

China has also called for an immediate end to the hostilities to protect civilians saying resolution to the conflict lies in two-state solution and establishing of Independent Palestine State.

On the other hand, the United States has said it is moving an aircraft carrier, ships and jets to Mediterranean and will also give Israel additional equipment and ammunition.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Govt strengthening primary healthcare system: Dr. Nadeem

Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan says the government has created a coherent and comprehensive strategy to develop health sector on modern lines.

He stated this while receiving a briefing from District Health Officer in Islamabad about the health facilities in the federal capital.

The Minister said the government is strengthening the primary healthcare system to reduce burden of patients on major hospitals.

He said the primary healthcare system is being digitized to provide best medical facilities to patients of rural areas.

Meanwhile, talking about anti-polio campaign in the country, Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan urged the people to administer Polio drops to their children.

He said that eradication of Polio from the country is responsibility of every citizen. He said that incidence polio has been reduced to only a few areas of the country.

The Health Minister said that for the global certification requires that no polio case emerges for the next thirty years.

He urged the educated people to create awareness among masses about the crippling disease.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Private Hospital in Islamabad Fined Rs. 1 Million for Killing a Patient Due to Medical Negligence

The Zimri Orthopedic Hospital in Islamabad has been slapped with a Rs. 1 million fine after a tragic incident in which a patient lost his life during surgery due to criminal negligence.

The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) took this action due to the mishandling by a surgeon and anesthetist.

In July, Mohammad Sajid, 54, was admitted to the hospital after a bad accident left him with a fractured and dislocated lower right leg.

After paying Rs. 250,000 for the operation and undergoing necessary medical tests, he was set for surgery on 12 July. However, things went wrong in the operation theatre.

His son, Hamza, was later informed that Sajid had a cardiac arrest during the surgery. What made it worse was that the hospital didn’t immediately tell Hamza about his father’s death.

According to the FIR, the patient’s death is believed to be a result of the doctors’ criminal negligence.

Dr. Fareedullah Khan Zimri, who owns the hospital, three other doctors, and a couple of staff members were nominated in the FIR.

The IHRA has also fined the anesthetist Obaidullah Rs.500,000 for falsely claiming to be a qualified anesthetist. Both the surgeon and anesthetist now face further review by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) due to this incident.

According to IHRA’s investigation, the hospital showed serious mismanagement and malpractice. It emphasized that the anesthetist was not actually qualified, and thus slapped him with a hefty fine.

The IHRA stated, “Both the surgeon and anesthetist have been found negligent and their case is now with the PMDC for appropriate action.”

Furthermore, the hospital has been given a month to ensure that its systems for surgery and anesthesia are improved. After this period, IHRA will verify the improvements to ensure safer surgeries in the future.

Hamza expressed his grief, saying, “Losing my father this way was heart-wrenching. It was a routine ankle surgery. The surgeon didn’t even meet my father before the operation and was unaware of his health history.”

Source: Pro Pakistani

25 Years of Roche Diagnostics Pakistan Pioneering Healthcare Excellence

Roche Diagnostics Pakistan recently celebrated a significant milestone at the Silver Jubilee Dinner held at Karachi’s Movenpick Hotel on September 14, 2023.

This event marked 25 years of Roche Diagnostics Pakistan’s pioneering work in healthcare, where they have seamlessly blended technology with medical expertise to benefit patients and advance the healthcare ecosystem.

The evening brought together a distinguished gathering, including partners, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, business leaders, hospitals, laboratories, government officials and media partners. It was an opportunity to highlight the significant contributions made by these stakeholders and commemorate a quarter-century of innovation.

Abdul Qayyum, Country Manager of Roche Diagnostics Pakistan, expressed the significance of this milestone, saying, “Beyond celebrations, Bemisaal 25 Saal is a testament to a quarter-century of pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities together with our valued partners. Reflecting on 25 years, our partnerships echo our unwavering commitment – here to stay, to contribute, and to make a lasting difference for patients.”

Thilo Brenner, Head of Sub-region at Roche Diagnostics Asia-Pacific, emphasized the company’s global legacy of over 125 years and its 25-year commitment to Pakistan. Roche Diagnostics aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, increase sustainable funding, and enhance access to innovative diagnostics.

Roche Diagnostics Pakistan has been instrumental in equipping laboratories with precise insights and empowering healthcare professionals to make better treatment decisions. Their offerings encompass a wide range, from diagnostics to data-driven insights, ultimately leading to improved patient care. At the core of their mission is personalized healthcare, driven by genetic makeup, promoting vitality, and adapting to evolving healthcare needs through continuous innovation.

Collaboration has been a key driver of Roche Diagnostics Pakistan’s journey. They actively foster strategic partnerships and contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system, particularly in addressing the needs of patients with complex diseases.

Sustainability is a guiding principle for Roche Diagnostics Pakistan, as they look ahead to tackle future healthcare challenges. Their leadership in research and development is focused on cutting-edge diagnostics, ensuring rapid, comprehensive, and sustainable access to their innovations. With the largest network of technical specialists and engineers in Pakistan, they provide 24/7 customer support.

The Silver Jubilee Dinner served as a tribute to Roche Diagnostics Pakistan’s remarkable 25-year journey, one that has significantly influenced the future of healthcare. As they move forward, their commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to the betterment of healthcare in Pakistan and beyond remains resolute.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Dr Nadeem Jan calls for accelerating efforts to prevent dengue nationwide

Minister for Health Services Dr. Nadeem Jan has emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to prevent dengue nationwide.

Speaking at a virtual meeting of health officials in Islamabad, he also stressed to protect the nation from this potentially dangerous disease.

The Minister commended the exemplary efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department in combating dengue and asked other provinces to replicate this model.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Railway Minister Calls for Fuel Efficiency and Healthcare Improvement

Caretaker Minister for Railways Shahid Ashraf Tarar has asked the railway administration to reduce fuel costs, gradually shift the entire railway network to an online fuel management system, prevent fuel theft at all costs, and increase operational efficiency.

While presiding over a meeting at Railway Headquarters, Tarar said that steps should be taken to improve railway health sector services. The process of transferring the railway network to solar energy should be accelerated, the minister directed the officers concerned.

Tarar emphasized the need for digital monitoring of fuel consumption and efficient supply of fuel to storage depots. The caretaker minister praised the administration for cracking down on electricity theft.

The Railway Minister was also briefed on cost-cutting measures in the Electrical Department. The Federal Minister directed to install electricity meters in all residential units of railway colonies.

He was also informed about the repair work on the track affected by floods and rains. Shahid Ashraf Tarr directed DS Quetta to complete track maintenance work on the Sibbi Harnai section by September 30.

In the meeting, it was decided to modernize the Cairns Hospital and open the outdoor services of the hospital to the general public. All the hospitals managed by the railways will be upgraded at the direction of the caretaker minister.

In this regard, there will be no public-private partnership, the railway itself will upgrade the hospitals. The Railway Minister directed the administration to submit a business model by next Friday to earn revenue from Railway Hospitals.

Source: Pro Pakistani

OMI Hospital and Jubilee Life Insurance Join Hands to Elevate Healthcare Access for Jubilee Health Cardholders

OMI Hospital, a renowned healthcare institution based in Karachi, and Jubilee Life Insurance, Pakistan’s largest private sector insurance company, are pleased to announce their strategic partnership.

Under this partnership, OMI Hospital extends an array of exclusive privileges to Jubilee Health Insurance members, including discounts on Outpatient Services (OPD), Emergency Room (ER) consultations, radiology services, laboratory services, and home collection of specific test samples at reduced rates.

Additionally, members will benefit from discounts on medications with home delivery. To access these benefits, members need only present their valid Jubilee Health Card during their visit to OMI Hospital.

As part of this cooperation, a dedicated Patient Relationship Officer will serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries or concerns, ensuring prompt resolution of customer needs. Furthermore, appointment requests will be given priority, enhancing the overall healthcare experience.

Javed Ahmed, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Life Insurance, expressed, “Jubilee Life Insurance is unwavering in its commitment to enhance the healthcare journey for our esteemed customers, whether through seamless onboarding, facilitation, or strategic partnerships with leading institutions across the country.

This partnership with OMI Hospital reinforces our dedication, and we have full confidence that the collaborative efforts between OMI and Jubilee Life will continue to elevate the healthcare experience for Jubilee Health cardholders.”

Kashif Mustafa, Managing Director of OMI Hospital, also shared his perspective on the partnership, stating, “At OMI, our mission is to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare to patients. Through this collaboration with Jubilee Life, we aim to expand our reach, enabling more convenient and streamlined access to the finest medical care for every Jubilee Health cardholder.”

It is worth noting that all exclusive discounts offered through this partnership will be applicable at both OMI Hospital campuses: Saddar and DHA.

Source: Pro Pakistani