All Posts in "Health"

Oman Launches Initiatives to Cut Down Hospital Waiting Times at Khoula and Al Nahda

Oman’s Ministry of Health has rolled out several new initiatives aimed at slashing waiting times for essential medical services at Khoula Hospital and Al Nahda Hospital. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the country.

Reducing MRI Scan Delays

A major focus of these initiatives is reducing MRI scan waiting times. Khoula Hospital, with support from the Directorate General and under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, is leading this effort. The hospital plans to perform 12,000 MRI scans over the next year, with daily targets of 45 to 50 scans on weekdays and 20 on weekends. This initiative is expected to reduce MRI waiting times from the previous 16-month wait to under four weeks.

Expanding Endoscopy Services

The Ministry is also enhancing endoscopy services at both Khoula and Al Nahda hospitals. The number of endoscopy rooms has been increased from one to three, a change that is expected to reduce waiting times for these procedures from one year to just two months. The goal is to further reduce routine appointment waits to four weeks.

Read More: Oman’s Muscat Municipality Embraces a Digital Future

Boosting Surgical Capacity

To further reduce waiting times, the Ministry has launched several surgical initiatives. One such initiative aims to perform 1,000 tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries within a year, at a rate of 83 surgeries per month. This is supported by the activation of additional operating rooms in Khoula Hospital’s Day Care Building.

The Ministry is also planning 1,000 knee replacement surgeries over the next year, with 27 surgeries scheduled weekly, including on weekends. This initiative is designed to reduce knee replacement waiting times from 700 days to just 120 days.

Focus on Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is another priority for the Ministry. The plan includes performing 1,500 cataract surgeries over the next year, with 1,000 surgeries at Al-Nahda Hospital and 500 at Khoula Hospital. This initiative aims to reduce the cataract surgery waiting list by 50%, with an average of eight surgeries scheduled daily.

Evening Clinics and Specialized Care

To further address the issue of long waiting times, an evening clinic has been introduced at Al-Nahda Hospital’s Dentistry and Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery Department. This clinic is expected to treat over 900 patients in the next three months, reducing emergency case wait times to two weeks and routine appointments to less than six weeks.

Additionally, the Ministry has launched a program to expedite dental treatments for special needs patients under general anesthesia. This program aims to complete these treatments within four months, supported by increased operating room availability during weekdays.

Improving Financial Efficiency

In addition to patient care initiatives, the Ministry has introduced a revenue cycle management program at Khoula Hospital. This program is designed to improve the operational efficiency of the hospital’s billing system, which is critical for maintaining its role as a key center for emergencies and disaster response.

Web Desk by — September 3, 2024 in Health
Launch of the ‘Youth Council for Sustainable Action’ and BOLO Health – a digital health marketplace for youth

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan – USAID’s flagship private sector health project, Frontier Health Markets (FHM) Engage, has launched the Youth Council for Sustainable Action in Sindh. The youth council aims to amplify youth voices and promote sustainable health practices, particularly in family planning services across Pakistan.

FHM Engage is a global cooperative agreement that provides technical assistance to support local actors to improve the ability of health markets to meet supply-side capacity gaps and consumer preferences, contributing to equitable provision of and access to high-quality family planning and other health services and products in mixed health systems.

As one of the core consortium partners of FHM Engage, Pathfinder International, renowned for its community-led health programs globally, brings expertise to ensure meaningful youth engagement in healthcare decision-making. “As the key implementer of the FHM Engage activity in Pakistan, Pathfinder International is proud to contribute to the launch of this initiative that empowers young people to actively shape interventions that enhance their health and overall well-being,” stated Madiha Latif, Country Director at Pathfinder International, Pakistan.

The Youth Council for Sustainable Action signifies a strategic effort by FHM Engage in partnership with Pathfinder International, to develop a youth council, brand and a digital platform to collectively empower youth to shape the discourse on their reproductive health.  

The Youth Council for Sustainable Action comprises representatives from six diverse organizations across Sindh, including the Baithak, Center for Sustainable Development, Collective Pakistan, Indus Youth Welfare Organization, Jagruti and School of Leadership. These organizations converge under the common goal of advocating for accessible and informed health choices among Pakistani youth. Through a recent election, the Indus Youth Welfare Organization was selected as the President and the Center for Sustainable Development as the General Secretary of the Council.

oladoc has pioneered a digital platform called ‘Bolo Health’ to deliver sexual and reproductive health services tailored for the youth. Derived from the Urdu word for ‘speak,’ Bolo embodies a call to action for youth to express their health needs and highlights Bolo Health’s commitment to foster dialogue and awareness around family planning issues in Pakistan. The Bolo Health platform offers certified doctor consultations, products, and health information, all conveniently accessible privately and online. This initiative aims to empower young individuals by providing them with reliable authentic resources and support to make informed decisions about their health.

From June 13 to 14, 2024 the School of Leadership convened Youth Council for Sustainable Action’s inaugural session and a capacity building training for young men and women representing youth led organizations. The session facilitated discussions on the council’s scope, norms and the strategic vision behind Bolo Health. “We are thrilled to launch the Youth Council for Sustainable Action and introduce Bolo Health to the community,” said Waqar Ali, CEO of the School of Leadership. “This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering youth to take charge of their health and advocate for positive change.”

Youth Council for Sustainable Action’s collaborative approach promises to drive meaningful impact by integrating youth perspectives into the fabric of healthcare advocacy in Pakistan by actively participating in public-private dialogues and advocacy. As Bolo Health continues to evolve, it seeks to inspire a generation of young Pakistanis to embrace proactive health practices and contribute to a healthier future for Pakistan.

Web Desk by — July 23, 2024 in Health
Punjab Prepares for Air Ambulance Service with Crew Training

Punjab’s Health and Emergency Services Minister, Khawaja Salman Rafique, has stressed the importance of training healthcare staff in preparation for the province’s new air ambulance service. This service, set to be the first of its kind in Pakistan, marks a significant advancement in the region’s emergency medical infrastructure.

Speaking at the Rescue 1122 headquarters, Minister Rafique highlighted the critical need for well-trained medical personnel to operate the air ambulance service effectively. He noted that this initiative will play a pivotal role in improving emergency medical response times and outcomes in Punjab.

Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer provided updates on the progress of the Rescue 1122 Air Ambulance Service, stating that preparations are nearing completion. This service aims to provide rapid medical assistance, particularly in areas where traditional ground ambulances face logistical challenges.

Minister Rafique directed Dr. Naseer to organize online training sessions for the air ambulance crew. These sessions will focus on essential topics such as advanced patient care, aviation safety, and emergency medical procedures. The goal is to ensure that the medical staff are fully equipped to manage the complexities of air ambulance operations.

The launch of the air ambulance service in Punjab represents a landmark achievement in the province’s healthcare system. By offering swift and efficient medical care, this service is expected to save lives and improve health outcomes, particularly in critical situations where timely intervention is crucial.

Rescue 1122, known for its exemplary emergency response capabilities, will be instrumental in rolling out the air ambulance service. The organization is committed to ensuring that all logistical and operational details are meticulously addressed and that the medical crew receives thorough training.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Punjab government to enhance emergency medical services and provide high-quality healthcare to all citizens. By investing in advanced training and infrastructure, the government aims to build a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to a wide range of emergencies.

The introduction of the air ambulance service, supported by comprehensive training programs for the crew, represents a significant step forward in Punjab’s healthcare landscape. This initiative is set to enhance emergency medical response and ensure that critical care is accessible to all residents, regardless of their location.

Sajal Subhan by — July 19, 2024 in Health
Zero Calories and Sugar? Unbelievable Juus Secret REVEALED! 😱

 Pakistan’s First Liquid Enhancer

Wait… so you’re telling me beverages can be tasty AND healthy? Tell me more. In the diverse beverage market of Pakistan, we have an innovative offering that’s changing how people hydrate, one drop at a time. Enter Juus, Pakistan’s first-ever liquid enhancer, a robust fusion of taste, health, and convenience. But what exactly is a liquid enhancer and why should I care about it? A liquid enhancer is a concentrated flavoring you can add to water or other drinks to create a tasty beverage. 

Zero calories and sugar?

Juus is an innovative liquid enhancer that transforms a simple glass of water into a flavour-packed, refreshing drink. A first of its kind in Pakistan, Juus provides an effective way to satisfy your thirst while packing a healthful punch with zero sugar and zero calories. It’s a safe choice for everyone, including children and diabetics.

The Juus line includes six exciting flavours: Peach, Strawberry, Green Apple, Pomegranate, Pear, and Lychee.

With such a broad selection, Juus invites you to get creative, mix and match, and discover new favourites. Use Juus with cold or sparkling water, or try it frozen for a delightful slushie. To use, all you have to do is squish, squish, and that’s it!

Each 50ml Juus bottle can make up to 30 servings, proving that great things come in small packages. Carry it in your pocket, purse, or backpack; Juus offers convenience that fits your lifestyle. It puts you in control, allowing you to adjust the flavor strength according to your preference.

Juus is crafted in Pakistan, a New Zealand-born innovation, meeting international standards while maintaining local affordability. Priced as low as just 250 rupees per bottle, Juus embodies the blend of global innovation with local execution. 

Currently, Juus is winning over customers in Lahore and is available in all Carrefour stores and Al Fatah stores in Johar town, Gulberg 3, Gold Crest DHA phase 4.

You can also buy it online on their website 

When you choose Juus, you’re choosing a healthy, hydrating beverage. Despite the exciting burst of flavour, Juus is still more than 99% water, assisting hydration and detoxification. It is an excellent alternative to high-sugar drinks available in the market, which may contribute to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and dehydration.

Juus keeps your health front and centre with natural flavours and sweeteners that don’t spike blood sugar or harm teeth. Experience the revolution in refreshment—experience Juus.

outlooktimes staff by — June 19, 2023 in Foods 0
Pakistani surgeon sets world record in robotic surgery for women

A Pakistani surgeon Dr Amer Raza is leading the innovative Da Vinci surgical robotic surgery for the treatment of endometriosis, which affects pregnancy for women of all ages.

Dr Raza has led a team of surgeons to perform the maximum number of complex gynaecology operations in two days at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital — setting a new record of not only using an innovative robotic technology but also doing 12 major operations in a day.

Amer Raza, a graduate of Nishtar Medical College, Multan, has not only performed the operations but also set a world record of doing 12 major operations in a day. 

Robotic surgery is the most modern type of keyhole surgery in which a surgeon operates in the patient’s abdomen through instruments controlled from a distance.

Dr Raza is a renowned expert in endometriosis, in which women suffer from pelvic pains and period pains which have a major adverse impact on conceiving. The condition not only affects the pelvic organs but also the bowel, bladder and nerves. The disease affects women from young age to old age and tens of millions of women across the world suffer from this condition.

He graduated from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, and has been trained as a laparoscopic surgeon. He is now one of the world’s leading surgeons in endometriosis and complex pelvic disease.

He is also the director of the world-class International Centre of Endometriosis Cromwell Hospital, London, and is leading a big team of multi-speciality surgeons. Dr Raza is also the Founder and Director of CCMIG Chelsea Centre of minimal access surgery, which organises national and international laparoscopic courses across the world. He travels to the Middle East, Pakistan, Africa and Europe to teach laparoscopic gynaecology courses.

Web Desk by — May 29, 2023 in Health
6 more die of gastro, and other illnesses amid rising disease incidence in Sindh

As more than 78,000 patients showed up in health camps in the flood-hit areas of Sindh in the past 24 hours, disease outbreaks continue to be a worry in the province, where six more died of gastroenteritis and other illnesses.

According to the provincial health department, two died of gastroenteritis, two of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) — a condition in which a person has a temperature accompanied by more than three weeks of illness — and one each of myocardial infarction and cardiopulmonary arrest.

The department said in a daily situation report on Wednesday that various diseases had claimed 324 lives in the province since July 1.

Sindh, where floodwaters descending from the country’s north and hill torrents from Balochistan have converged to give rise to a health crisis, has seen thousands displaced by deluges and now being inflicted by various diseases, mainly water-borne.

With Pakistan’s already weak health system and lack of support, displaced families have complained of being forced to drink and cook with disease-ridden water.

Sajal Subhan by — September 21, 2022 in Health
Shehzad Roy pays tribute to frontline workers of Coronavirus in his new song

Shehzad Roy, a singer, and activist is known for using his musical talents to bring social and political issues to the public’s attention. This time he has produced a new tune that departs from his customary blunt satire. Maula Vey puts you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring a love story set in Covid-19. With themes of love, sorrow, and helplessness – but this isn’t just another love song.

Roy’s song which features actor Syra Yousuf is a memorial to healthcare workers that died while protecting others during the pandemic. It tells one of the numerous untold stories of frontline workers who succumbed to the illness while trying to help others.

The song video, which is set in a hospital, has Shahzad and Syra as healthcare personnel isolated in separate rooms. The song takes you on an emotional trip. As they seek solace in one another while separating themselves from the outside world and battling their illness.

Many frontline workers had no choice but to distance themselves from their families and loved ones when the pandemic was at its apex. Some of them lost their lives alone battling the illness and never made it back.

Maula Vey is a lovely attempt to depict the doubt and longing that people feel when they are alone. Especially those whose heroic efforts are often unseen. There could be no better choice than Shahzad to convey this terrible tale of heroism. Maula Vey is a unique production in the love genre, directed by Ahsan Rahim and composed by Shany Haider.

Watch the Complete song here: 

Web Desk by — January 8, 2022 in Health 0
Defog Your Car’s Windows and Windshield In 4 Easy Steps

Fogging is one of the most common issues in cars during winter. Before we move on to the defogging procedure, it is important to know why exactly does this happen.

Fogging is a result of condensation that happens when the cold air comes in contact with the heated windows and windshield leading to reduced visibility. If not dealt with properly on time, it can lead to severe consequences.

Source: magazine.northeast.aaa.com

Here is what you can do to get rid of fog when you are travelling:

  1. Increase the inside temperature of your car. When you turn on the heater, it will absorb all extra moisture.
  2. Now turn on the AC to absorb more moisture. Trust us this works!
  3. It is time to turn off recirculation of air
  4. Open your windows. The more you turn them down the faster your windows and windshield will defrost because of the dry air coming in from the outside while replacing the moist air.

When you are done with all these steps, you will notice that all the fog is gone and now you can drive in peace with better visibility.

Sajal Subhan by — October 10, 2021 in Health 0
foodpanda Announces Rs. 1 Crore in Cash Incentives for Vaccinating Riders

Extending support to the governmental initiative of mass immunization while ensuring rider safety, foodpanda Pakistan has announced PKR 1 crore as cash incentives to compensate riders for the time spent in getting their COVID vaccine shots.

As the nation is successfully steering out of the third wave of coronavirus, mass immunization has turned out to be the only strategy to tackle the crisis. Pakistan’s largest delivery platform, foodpanda has announced PKR 1 Crore in cash incentives to the first batch of riders on the platform who are getting vaccinated. Riders can claim the cash incentive once they present a vaccination certificate at the rider hub. 

The vaccination drive is the latest addition to foodpanda’s COVID-19 response in Pakistan. Since the early days of the pandemic, foodpanda has been providing financial assistance for up to 14 days to riders who are diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition to this, riders are also being provided medical insurance, increased incentives and earnings support for the areas where services were halted due to lockdown. 

To fight COVID-19, foodpanda also installed washbasins outside rider hubs, introduced Contactless Deliveries, conducted food donation drives at hospitals and installed disinfectant walkthrough gates outside various medical centers nationwide. Daily temperature checks at rider hubs have now become an integral part of a hero’s job, before starting his shift. Ever since the outbreak, foodpanda has dispatched hand sanitizers to their riders on-board and continues to actively distribute face masks and gloves to their heroes.

In collaboration with the district government, hygiene kits including masks and sanitizers were also distributed to citizens earlier this year.

Commenting on this initiative, Nauman Sikandar, CEO foodpanda stated, “Safety and wellbeing of our stakeholders is one of our core values and we encourage all our riders to get vaccinated to ensure safer deliveries. Riders are essential frontliners, who deliver orders to hundreds of customers every day. We believe it’s important for each rider to be vaccinated for the greater good of the society.”

“foodpanda stands by all its stakeholders – they are not alone in the battle against this virus. With this and many more such initiatives, we hope to play our part in making Pakistan COVID free”, he further added.
More than 40,000 riders are part of the foodpanda family and this campaign will encourage Pakistan’s mass vaccination drive to further strengthen. 

Web Desk by — June 16, 2021 in Business

[Karachi 15 January 2021] Muhammad Ayan and Muhammad Aman, born as conjoined twins to Mr. and Mrs. Israr Ahmed, are now living as two healthy children after a successful separation surgery performed at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) on 12 December 2020.

Ayan and Aman were Omphalopagus type of conjoined twins, in which the bodies of the two are joined at the abdomen and several internal organs are shared, including liver and sometimes the intestines. The twin brothers shared a small portion of the liver.

Credit: AKUH

‘It was an extremely challenging journey for us. Before coming to AKUH, I had a dream that Ayan and Aman were separate. That dream gave me hope’, said Israr, while narrating the events that led him to AKUH. ‘My family and I were convinced that this hospital is for the rich and receiving treatment from here will never be a possibility for us. But, my Allah made the Aga Khan University Hospital the saviour of my children. The doctors told us to not worry about the expenses, as they would be taken care of by the Patient Welfare Programme.’

Conjoined twinning is a very rare congenital anomaly, with an overall incidence of 1 in 250,000 births. This happens when the embryo does not separate successfully in the mother’s womb to form two individuals. Although there is no known cause for the conjoining, it can be diagnosed early in the pregnancy through an ultrasound.

While surgery is the only method of separating the conjoined twins, it cannot be performed in all cases. This is because the complexity of and survival rates after the surgery depends primarily upon the joining sites and the type and number of organs joined internally.

Credit: AKUH

To perform this exceptionally difficult surgery, a multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled healthcare experts came together to meticulously plan and organise their efforts. These teams included Doctors, Nurses and Technicians from Paediatric Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology amongst active participants, and Gastrointestinal Surgery and Neurosurgery amongst those on stand-by. The nature of this surgery is such that it demands double the amount of resources and concurrent functioning of all teams to manage and save both lives.

Prior to the surgery, an advanced imaging and three-dimensional prototyping was used to fully understand the nature of the conjoining, expertise required and necessary reshuffling of the resources. Dr. Zafar Nazir, Paediatric Surgeon at the Aga Khan University Hospital, led the efforts to perform the 8 hour-long surgery with the support of over 50 clinical and administrative staff.

‘This is a rare surgery that the Hospital has performed for the second time. A tremendous amount of effort went in to the rearrangement of the resources, both inside and outside the Operating Room. But, at the end of this procedure, it was a joy to watch both the boys get a new life’, commented Dr. Zafar Nazir as he recalled the events of the treatment.

The role of the anaesthesiologists was of great significance, as they had to ensure that both the babies were stable throughout the procedure.  ‘The perioperative care of Ayan and Aman was like no other. As they were joined at the torso and facing each other, a complete incision required flipping them around. Therefore, we could not have intubated them, as it would have hampered the movement. We opted for an intravenous drug and ensured a thoroughly managed sedation throughout the procedure’, recalled Dr. Faisal Shamim, Anaesthesiologist at Aga Khan University Hospital.

Israr Ahmed and his wife are not the only parents to have gone through this pain and suffering of finding the appropriate treatment. There are many such families who are in dire need to receive compassionate care and high-quality treatment. Treating such rare and critical health conditions offers the experts at the Aga Khan University Hospital, a commendable opportunity to test and enhance our systems and capabilities, and learn to design innovative health solutions for our people in Pakistan. But, most importantly, it gives us immense joy to watch distressed families go back home healthy and happy with their loved ones.

Credit: AKUH
Web Desk by — January 15, 2021 in Health