Medical and Hospital facilities updates

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100-bed cardiac care hospital, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology, in Dera Ghazi Khan.

This project would facilitate the residents of the region by providing top-notch medical provisions and services to treat various health illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

The outpatient department of the hospital has been inaugurated and is fully functional.

 

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200 Bed Children Hospital Sukkur Inaugurated.

Children Hospital Sukkur by Sindh Government, which encompasses a wide range of services for pediatric patients including OPD, emergency care, radiology, day care, and an intensive care unit designed specifically.

 

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Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Islamabad ....

 

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Experts stress availability of cessation services for effective tobacco control​

Islamabad Post
Sep 4, 2023

Effectively reducing the prevalence of tobacco along with offering cessation services in healthcare centers, and robust advocacy efforts to counter innovative misinformation marketing tactics of novel smokeless tobacco products was the key to stemming the growing use of smoking products, said tobacco control experts at a webinar on Monday.

The webinar was organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute and The Union for Tuberculosis and Ling Disease, a news release said.

Head, the Centre for Health, and Policy Innovation, SDPI, Syed Ali Wasif Naqvi remarked that although WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control mandates states to establish tobacco cessation services, only 30% of people out of the 780 million smoking quitters have access to such services.

Counseling and assistance can double the chances for a person to quit tobacco consumption and these must be provided by states to improve health indicators and reduce tobacco prevalence, he added.

Senior Technical Advisor, The Union for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Khurram Hashmi expressed that high prevalence of tobacco consumption exerts significant strain on healthcare systems and regional collaboration must be leveraged to achieve for sustainable impacts.

He urged that policy advocacy must be backed by rigorous evidence-based research and government’s tobacco control initiatives must be strengthened by resource allocations.

Advisor SDPI, Wasim Janjua remarked that in Pakistan, healthcare burden due to tobacco use stands at a staggering Rs 615 billion, is a major challenge.

One critical gap hampering efforts to combat tobacco use is the absence of formal cessation services in both public and private hospitals.

Factors such as affordability and easy access, glamorization and normalization in society, media and culture, and lack of cessation services have collectively done a disservice to our awareness campaigns, making it more challenging to encourage smokers to quit tobacco, he said.

Director of Cancer Control Office at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) Jordan, Dr. Nour Obeidat remarked that prevalence of tobacco consumption is high even among women in Middle East.
She stressed that political commitment was pivotal in making true progress in this regard to reduce tobacco prevalence and cessation.

She informed that since 2008, the number of clinics that offer vital brief and intensive cessation services had been increased to 25 by Jordan’s government.

Dental Public health Professional and Tobacco Cessation Specialist, India stressed that access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), cessation support in healthcare centers, reimbursement services for cessation treatment and a national toll-free quit line for guidance to quit smoking can exponentially reinforce tobacco cessation efforts.

She highlighted that global governments have increased availability of tobacco cessation services.

She elucidated that 89% of high-income, 72% of middle-income and 18% of low-income countries offer only partial cost coverage. However, 32 countries provide no such assistance and Pakistan unfortunately is among them.

Dr Rakesh Gupta, President, SIPHER, India, acknowledged that tobacco companies are adapting to stringent tobacco control policies and declining sales. He pointed out that marketing tactics, like enticing fruit flavors and innovative packaging stimulate sales and combined with misleading claims of no nicotine, pose significant challenges to tobacco cessation efforts.

This not only contributes to relapses among current users but also attracts new users, including children, raising significant public health concerns, he added. . He informed that responding to such tactics, over 18 Indian states have implemented bans on such e-cigarettes.

Dr. Sahana Hedge Shetiya, Professor & Head, Dept. of Public Health Dentistry Pune reiterated the need to focus advocacy and awareness efforts towards youth to prevent tobacco consumption initiation and draw on laws and regulations of the country to educate, fight misinformation using pictorial information.

 

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Pakistan to host first-ever ‘Global Health Security Summit’ in Oct​

Abdul Rasheed Azad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is all set to host first-ever Global Health Security Summit which is likely to be held in October 2023 aiming to strengthen disease response and surveillance systems in developing nations.

A high-level meeting in this connection was concluded the other day at the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations presided over by the Federal Secretary Health, Iftikhar Shallwani, to review the preparations for the global moot.

The meeting was informed by the director general of Health that the summit will include various health experts and donors and develop a strategy to fight the disease before it spreads. The prime minister has accorded approval to holding the summit later this year which will bring together 500 participants including around 70 country delegates.

 

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Dasu HPP will facilitate training for 35 Lady Health Visitors from Upper Kohistan​

By Tahir Ali
Sep 9, 2023
To address parental care and maternal-child health concerns, the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP) has partnered with the Provincial Health Services Academy (PHSA) in KP, signing an MoU to provide specialized training to 35 local Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) from Upper Kohistan. Director General of PHSA, Dr. Sahib Gul, signed the MoU with the Team Leader of DHPP for LHV Training at Public Health School Abbottabad," DHPP stated on Friday evening.

The primary goal is to equip these LHVs with the necessary knowledge and skills essential for effectively addressing and managing critical issues surrounding parental care and maternal-child health within the region.

Candidates selected from Kohistan will undergo a comprehensive two-year training program at the Public Health School in Abbottabad, aimed at acquiring advanced knowledge and skills about parental care and maternal-child health. According to DHPP's statement, "WAPDA will cover all costs, amounting to Rs. 65 million, for the training, boarding, and lodging of the candidates, along with their 'Mehrams' from their families."

Upon completion of the training program, the LHVs will be deployed in the affected areas of Dasu HPP to serve the communities of Upper Kohistan in the health sector.

 

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‘Building SKMCH&RC, Karachi our collective responsibility’​

by The Frontier Post

KARACHI: On the launch of the fundraising campaign for Pakistan’s third Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), the management of the Hospital said that supporting the Hospital is our collective responsibility and the hospital is expected to open next year.

Updating on the project, the management said, “These are challenging economic times for Pakistan, and it would be wrong to say that we have been unaffected by inflation, devaluation and other issues which have beset us as a nation, of late.

Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our conviction to deliver a world-class facility in Karachi as soon as practically possible. The physical structure of the Hospital was completed in November 2022 and finishing work at the site in DHA City continues at speed. In total, we need Rs. 21 billion to complete the finishing work and to help install the state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment of our patients in Karachi.”

They further added, “Building a cancer hospital in a resource- constrained environment is a huge challenge. Keeping such a facility running, year-on-year, enabling it to grow and develop, to remain at the cutting edge of technology and science, and to continue to treat an ever-increasing number of patients for free, however, is a challenge of an altogether greater magnitude.

The people of Pakistan from all across the world rallied together to build the nation’s first Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore in 1994 and their continued support has ensured the hospital has grown from strength to strength over the last three decades.

The 2nd SKMCH&RC opened in Peshawar in 2015, since close to 30% of the patients seen at SKMCH&RC, Lahore were from KP and Afghanistan. While there are a number of facilities in Karachi that offer quality cancer care, Pakistan’s largest city needs a state-of-the-art tertiary care cancer centre which ensures equal access to all patients, irrespective of their ability to pay.

In order to bridge this gap and to provide free and high-quality cancer care to as many people as possible, we have undertaken the enormous task of constructing our third and Pakistan’s largest cancer hospital in Karachi.

At twice the size of our hospital in Lahore, this hospital will serve not only the city of Karachi, but also patients from elsewhere in Sindh, as well as from Southern Baluchistan.” In a message to the public, SKMCH&RC management said, “Shaukat Khanum belongs to all the people of Pakistan – they built it, they support it and it is only with their ongoing support and generosity that we will see the fruition of the dream of a third cancer hospital, in Karachi.

Each one of you has a vital role to play in fulfilling this dream, and in helping those less fortunate than you to fight the scourge of cancer in Pakistan. You can create a lasting legacy by becoming a Founding Donor or by dedicating rooms in memory of loved ones. Each rupee counts! You can pledge a regular contribution for SKMCH&RC, Karachi, and make an ongoing commitment to help equip the hospital.

 

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Pakistan-China tie-up in herbal medicines sought​

PCJCCI chief stresses need for setting up specialised research institute

Our Correspondent
September 14, 2023

LAHORE: China has extensive expertise in herbal medicine manufacturing, an industry that is booming all around the world, and Pakistan should capitalise on the emerging opportunity, said a top official of a joint Pakistan-China chamber of commerce.

“Global market for herbal medicines is expected to reach $107 billion by the year 2024 and $178.4 billion by 2026, creating a vast room for Pakistan’s herbal medicine sector,” emphasised Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Moazzam Ghurki.

Chairing a think-tank session on Wednesday, Ghurki pointed out that almost 30,000 herbal drugs, cosmetic and healthcare goods producing companies were operating in Pakistan. “To empower this sector, the government should set up a specialised herbal research institution, which will not only help develop the industry but also educate health regulators.”

He added that China was a pioneer in herbal treatments based on research of more than 2,500 years, while Pakistan was rich in naturally growing herbs in its Himalayan range, which were of high value in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

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Pakistan highlights pharmaceutical collaboration with SCO countries​

China Economic Ne
tSep 27, 2023

SUZHOU, “The 2nd SCO Pharmaceutical Cooperation Development Conference has demonstrated the commitment of member states to foster international cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry. Through this platform, SCO member states aim to promote mutual benefits, strengthen regulatory frameworks, encourage research and development collaboration, and expand market access,” highlighted Mr. Asim Rauf, CEO of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

Asim Rauf, who attended the conference in Suzhou on September 25 as a VIP guest, delivered a keynote address highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to promoting pharmaceutical development and regulation. In his address, he stressed the significance of cooperation among SCO member states in ensuring drug safety and advancing research and development in the pharmaceutical sector.

With the world facing unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for collaboration and partnership in the pharmaceutical sector has become even more critical. Pakistan and other SCO members are committed to working together to ensure the availability of essential medicines, strengthen health systems and improve the overall well-being of their populations.

The CEO took the opportunity to share Pakistan’s achievements in pharmaceutical regulation, highlighting the steps taken by DRAP to streamline the drug approval process, enhance quality control measures and promote transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Pakistan has developed very rapidly in the field of regulation and the acceptance of its drugs is also increasing in the world. Especially during the pandemic, we have done a lot of work, including independent trials, starting the digitization process, introducing the CTD format, automating, etc,” the CEO added that “recently, we have noted the surge in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports as a result of these advances. We are ready to share the steps and experiences we have taken with other SCO member states.”

In an interview with China Economic Net, Mr. Asim Rauf touched on many potential areas of collaboration and partnership between Pakistan and other SCO member states in the pharma sector, most important of which is clinical trials at present.

Pakistan has various products from China including manufactured goods, high-tech products, cancer medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices. The CEO said there were many pending applications for clinical trials of Chinese medicines in Pakistan. He added that “we have generated a conducive environment where we have specifically invited Chinese companies to bring their products to Pakistan and import them.”

 

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Haleon Pakistan to invest $10mn in Jamshoro plant for production of Panadol base portfolio​

• Objective is to enhance production capacity to 8 billion tablets, company says

BR W
October 13, 2023

Haleon Pakistan Limited, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Pakistan Limited, will invest around $10 million (~PKR2.8 billion) in its manufacturing facility at Jamshoro.

The pharmaceutical shared the development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.

“Haleon Pakistan Limited will be investing ~$10 million in its manufacturing facility at Jamshoro for the production of Panadol base portfolio, including Panadol 500mg and Panadol Extra tablets,” read the notice.

The pharma shared that the objective is to bring the latest manufacturing technology to Pakistan and enhance the production capacity to 8 billion tablets.

“This will help the company ensure smooth supplies of Pakistan’s largest pharmaceutical / Over-the-Counter medicine to the consumers and patients in need.

“This is in addition to the investment of ~$2 million being spent on enhancing the manufacturing facility of our flagship brand CaC 1000 Plus to cater to the local needs and export opportunities that the Company is currently working on,” read the notice.

Haleon Pakistan Limited shared that the investment and associated financing have been approved by its Board of Directors.

As per the company’s latest financial results, Haleon Pakistan’s profit after tax clocked in at Rs313 million in 6MCY23, up nearly 13% as compared to PAT of Rs277.28 million in the same period of the previous year.

Haleon Pakistan was incorporated in Pakistan as a publicly listed company under the provisions of the repealed Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now Companies Act, 2017) on 31 March 2015.

The company is a subsidiary of ‘Haleon Netherlands B.V’. The ultimate parent of the company is Haleon plc. It is inter alia principally engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of consumer healthcare and over-the-counter health.

 

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500 Bed Under Construction Nishtar II Hospital Multan
The project is currently under construction in its phase 01 which includes a 500-bed hospital building along with staff accommodation and allied facilities.
© Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab - IDAP

 

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Pakistan to strengthen pharmaceutical industry to meet demand, enhance exports​

By Staff Reporter | Xinhua
Oct 29, 2023

ISLAMABAD (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani government has been making efforts to enhance the pharmaceutical industry to meet rising domestic demand and promote exports, said a minister.

"The pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan is playing a crucial role in meeting growing public demand for medicine and promoting exports," said Pakistani caretaker health minister Nadeem Jan while addressing a business delegation on Saturday.

The government is working to establish a pharmaceutical park with a public-private partnership, he said, adding that incentives would be offered to the pharmaceutical industry for local production of pharmaceutical raw materials as well as local production of new medicines in the country.

Jan said that technology transfer to the country's pharmaceutical sector is the need of the hour, and Pakistan is in contact with friendly countries for technology transfer to improve the sector.

The incumbent government plans to digitize the overall health system in the country to meet modern trends, the minister said, adding that the purpose of technology transfer to the medical sector is to strengthen Pakistan's health infrastructure.

 

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Pharma Asia fuels Pak-China pharmaceutical collaboration​

By Saira Iqbal
Nov 15, 2023

KARACHI, - The 20th Pharma Asia Exhibition and Conference commenced in Karachi on November 14th. With over 300 exhibitors from various countries, the three-day event attracted multiple Chinese companies to gain insights into Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry and explore the investment prospects.

Chunguang Pharmaceutical Equipment Company, a leading supplier of pharmaceutical packaging equipment in China, showcased their latest products at the exhibition.

The company's manager expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "We provided detailed introductions of our products to every visitor, demonstrating our successful cases in Pakistan. We have also initiated cooperation discussions with many attendees and eagerly look forward to establishing partnerships with local companies. The investment potential in Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector is substantial."

As per the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the country's pharmaceutical industry has witnessed double-digit growth over the past five years, with an estimated value of $3.29 billion."Pakistan has 250 million people, making it one of the most promising consumer markets for pharmaceuticals.

Not only is there a strong demand for pharmaceutical products in Pakistan, but the operating costs are also low, making it an ideal investment market," said a Chinese exhibitor.

Waheed Ahmed, Chief Executive of Shaigan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, emphasized the strong bond between Pakistan and China. "With 30 years of experience in cooperation with China, we recognize China's dedication to investing in chemical labs and training scientists, enabling them to achieve or even surpass the pharmaceutical standards of developed nations.

We eagerly anticipate further collaboration between Pakistan and China."