Latest news with #SindhHealthDepartment
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Cancer patients to get instant biopsy reports
For the first time in Pakistan, immediate biopsy reports of suspected cancer patients will be possible in a government hospital. Under the development projects for the upcoming fiscal year, the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) will introduce a confocal instant digital pathology system, enabling real-time detection of tumor nature and spread during the surgery. Suspected cancer patients will now receive immediate biopsy reports even at government hospitals. The JPMC is set to become Pakistan's first public hospital to implement the confocal instant digital pathology system, allowing surgeons to determine tumor type and extent in real-time during surgeries. Professor Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital Karachi, stated that the technology was previously available in private hospitals only. However, it will now be installed at Jinnah Hospital with the support of Sindh Health Department under the Sindh government's Annual Development Programme. He said that the technology processes samples and creates slides during surgery, allowing immediate determination whether a tumor is present and, if so, how far it has spread. Patients will no longer have to wait 14 to 15 days for biopsy results. Two advanced units will be purchased at a cost of Rs366 million. One unit will be installed in the surgical complex, benefiting general surgery, orthopaedics, thoracic, and ENT departments, while the second unit will be set up in the gynaecology ward. The aim of the project is not only to increase the speed and accuracy of biopsies but also to reduce the time patients remain under anaesthesia. Current methods, such as frozen section and core biopsies, take longer to produce reports, which can endanger patients' lives. The project also includes training for medical staff and improving technical expertise alongside the procurement of modern machines. Hospital officials said this system will be particularly beneficial for poor and middle-class patients who cannot afford expensive treatments at private hospitals.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Measles claims territory in District East
The future of a nation relies heavily on the health and well-being of its children, who must be protected from childhood diseases through rigorous vaccination drives. Unfortunately, in Sindh, where routine immunization remains a challenge, diseases like measles continue to nip the buds of the country. According to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) of the Sindh Health Department, over 5,000 children have been brought with symptoms of measles across hospitals in Sindh, where 31 children have died between January and April 2025. Furthermore, across seven districts of Karachi, 2,242 children were brought to different hospitals with symptoms of measles, the presence of which was confirmed through a laboratory test in 948 children. While speaking of the recent epidemic, Dr Raj Kumar, Project Director of the EPI at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the outbreak was concentrated in District East, where out of 407 suspected cases, 247 children were confirmed to have measles. "Conversely, in the Central district, 476 children were brought with symptoms of measles, out of which 100 children were confirmed carriers. Five deaths occurred in Karachi, all of which were reported from District East," claimed Dr Kumar, while speaking of the area where no vaccination drive against measles has been conducted this year. One such grieving parent was Amer Ali, father of 4-year-old Hasnain, who succumbed to measles. "My son was under treatment at a private hospital since the past 15 days. When his condition worsened, he was brought to the NICHD hospital, where he passed away. He had developed pneumonia along with measles, which caused him severe respiratory distress. Although we had administered both doses of the measles vaccine to our son, we still could not save his life," cried Ali. Similarly, parents of another child brought to the emergency ward at Lyari Hospital revealed that their son had been experiencing fever and a rash on his body for several days. "When the child was brought to the emergency ward, the doctor informed that he had contracted measles. Our boy received medical treatment at the emergency ward, and luckily his condition has improved," said the parents. According to Dr Waseem Jamalvi, President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association Sindh, even today many children in the province remain unvaccinated against measles. "If routine vaccination is ensured, the incidence of measles can be reduced. Parents are not getting their children vaccinated against measles. While some get the initial vaccinations, many miss out on the measles vaccine. The Health Department has a sufficient supply of the measles vaccine and has made it available at every EPI centre. Children who are not vaccinated against measles are more likely to contract the disease. Therefore, all parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against measles and complete the full course of protective vaccinations against 12 diseases," implored Dr Jamalvi. Likewise, Dr Ikram Sultan, a health expert also attributed the rapid spread of measles to the low vaccination rate. "Measles is highly contagious, and despite vaccination, the number of children affected by measles is increasing. However, not vaccinating children against measles is a major reason behind the spread of this epidemic. Some affected children are those who were vaccinated, but due to weak immunity, they fell ill. Babies who are not breastfed or are suffering from nutritional deficiencies have weakened immunity and are at risk of acquiring measles. In Pakistan, children are administered measles vaccine at 9 and 15 months of age. If a child receives both doses of the vaccine, they can be effectively protected against measles," said Dr Sultan. "The Health Department of Sindh will launch a special campaign in October, in which 8,226,945 children will be administered the measles vaccine. Under the EPI program, children are given two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella," announced Dr Kumar.
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Malaria outbreak grips Sindh
The province is grappling with a severe mosquito infestation, fueled by garbage accumulation, overflowing sewage, and a poorly maintained drainage system. The intense heat and frequent power outages have further worsened the living conditions for residents. As a result, hundreds of people are being infected with malaria daily, while local authorities remain reluctant to carry out germ-killing spray operations in streets and neighbourhoods. Sindh Health Department Vector-Borne Diseases Director of Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Shah warned that malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which typically breeds in stagnant water and unsanitary conditions. Symptoms of malaria include recurring high fever, severe fatigue, chills, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, patients also experience diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can worsen their condition. The disease often intensifies at night, causing significant discomfort and disrupting sleep. In Sindh, malaria cases have now surpassed 22,000. Diagnosis is typically made using one of three common tests - the Malaria ICT (Immunochromatographic Test), Malaria Smear, and Malaria PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The disease poses a heightened risk to vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women. Dr Shah has urged the public to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. These include sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeved clothing, applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin, eliminating stagnant water in and around homes, and maintaining general cleanliness. He also emphasised the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if malaria symptoms appear. According to a recent report released by the Directorate General of Health Services, part of the Sindh Health Department, malaria cases have surged significantly in 2025. From January one to April 20, a total of 22,358 cases have been reported. The Larkana Division has been the worst affected, with 7,392 cases, while, Hyderabad has reported 8,476 cases, Sukkur - 2,030 cases, Mirpurkhas - 1,498 cases, Shaheed Benazirabad - 2,756 cases, and Karachi - 206 cases. The report also provides a breakdown of malaria types among patients: 16,906 cases of Plasmodium vivax (PV), 4,820 cases of Plasmodium falciparum (PF), and 632 cases involving mixed infections. Despite the high number of infections, only one patient developed cerebral malaria and required hospitalisation. Fortunately, there have been no reported malaria-related deaths in the province to date. Meanwhile, public concern continues to grow over the increasing mosquito activity, particularly in the evening hours. Power outages, combined with stifling heat, have created ideal conditions for mosquito attacks. With rooms becoming hot and humid, residents report being bitten relentlessly, disrupting rest and placing children at particular risk. Although many households are using insecticides indoors, there is growing frustration over the persistent influx of mosquitoes from outside, and the lack of government-sponsored fumigation efforts in public areas.
Times of Oman
24-03-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Pakistan confirms 2nd mpox case in 2025
Karachi: Pakistan's Sindh Health Department has confirmed a monkeypox (mpox) case in Karachi, marking the first instance of the disease in the city, ARY News reported on Saturday. The patient, a 28-year-old male resident of Shah Latif Town, contracted the virus after his wife showed symptoms. The patient's wife has a travel history abroad. The man has been placed in an isolation ward to prevent the spread of harmful infections to others. Earlier on January 25, Pakistan reported its first case of viral disease Monkeypox, also known as mpox, in 2025, ARY News reported. The patient, who returned from Dubai on January 24, was identified through screening at the Peshawar airport, according to Pakistan Ministry of Health spokesperson. The patient has been taken to Services Hospital Peshawar for treatment. The latest case takes the total number of mpox cases in Pakistan to 10 since the health emergency was declared, as per ARY News. Pakistan's Ministry of Health has said that effective measures are being taken to protect the people from mpox. The travel history of the patient has disclosed connections to Gulf nations, sparking concerns regarding the virus's spread. Earlier, a passenger travelling from Sharjah showed symptoms of monkeypox during medical screening. According to airport sources, a passenger identified as Javed Ahmed, travelled from Sharjah, has tested positive for symptoms of monkeypox, ARY News reported. Ahmed, a resident of Rajanpur, was taken to isolation ward for precautionary measures. Medical authorities have said the case is alarming and are taking strict precautions. Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. Even though the natural reservoir of the virus remains unidentified, African rodents and non-human primates like monkey are suspected to harbor the virus and spread it to humans. The disease typically starts with a rash that appears 1 to 3 days following the onset of fever, starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of body. The rash progresses through several stages like vesicles, macules, papules, pustules, and scabs, according to ARY News report. Additional symptoms may include exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, headache and exhaustion. The incubation period generally lasts from 7 to 14 days, however, it can vary between 5 and 21 days. The illness generally lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
First confirmed case of Mpox reported
The first confirmed case of Monkeypox (Mpox) has been reported in Sindh. The Sindh Health Department revealed that a 29-year-old resident of Malir district developed symptoms on March 15, 2025, despite not having travelled abroad recently, raising concerns about local transmission. The patient has been isolated in a government hospital, while people who came into close contact with her are being screened in order to prevent further transmission.
