WaterAid Reveals Economic Impact of Poor WASH Facilities in Pakistan

Islamabad, WaterAid’s recent health study, titled “Determining the Health Cost of Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Pakistan,” unveiled in Islamabad on February 28, 2024, highlights the substantial economic burden poor WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities place on Pakistani households. Led by Dr. Abid Aman Burki of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), the study indicates a staggering annual cost to households of PKR 116.13 billion, disproportionately affecting lower-income families.

According to WaterAid, the study brings to the forefront the critical public health challenges arising from inadequate access to clean water and sanitation services. During the unveiling, Professor Dr. Meher Taj Roghani, a member of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, Pakistan, underscored the urgent need to address the link between health and WASH to mitigate the risks associated with waterborne diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and typhoid.

The event featured a panel discussion with contributions from experts like Dr. Masood Jogezai, Technical Consultant at the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination; Itsuro Takahashi, WASH Manager at UNICEF; Dr. Shahzeb Mirza, Assistant Director of M and E at the Health Department, Govt of Sindh; and Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Muhammad Fazal, Head of Program Strategy and Policy at WaterAid, emphasized the critical role of improved WASH facilities in reducing morbidity and mortality rates in Pakistan. He called for collective action to ensure access to safe WASH, which is vital for the health and nutrition of the Pakistani populace.

Furqan Ahmed, Interim Country Director of WaterAid Pakistan, highlighted the compounded challenges posed by climate change on WASH and public health. He urged for continued collective efforts to prioritize WASH interventions from a health perspective, aiming for universal access to sustainable and safe WASH services in Pakistan.

This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, health professionals, and the community at large to address the health and economic impacts of inadequate WASH facilities, marking a critical step towards improving public health outcomes in Pakistan.

Indus Hospital’s ‘Get Into Healthcare’ Program Celebrates Triumphs of Young Professionals


Karachi, The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), in partnership with Prince’s Trust International, the Chanan Development Association (CDA), and the Lord Sarfraz Foundation (LSF), celebrated the successful completion of another cycle of the ‘Get Into Healthcare’ programme. This initiative aims to equip young individuals with the necessary skills to pursue careers in the healthcare sector, thereby addressing youth unemployment and the skills gap in Pakistan’s labor market. The celebration event, which took place in Karachi on February 22, 2024, showcased the significant achievements of the program and its participants.



According to The Indus Hospital, the ‘Get Into Healthcare’ programme has made notable strides in empowering young people, particularly in the healthcare field, by providing them with quality education and skill development opportunities. Dr. Zafar Zaidi, CEO of IHHN, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in offering students top-notch skill development and a global perspective on healthcare.



Will Straw, CEO of Prince’s Trust International, highlighted the program’s positive impact, noting that 90% of participants now feel they have an increase in the necessary skills to succeed in the healthcare sector. This partnership aims to continue inspiring young individuals to explore healthcare careers, ensuring they have access to meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.



Shahzad Khan, Executive Director of the Chanan Development Association, praised the program for its focus on developing soft skills essential for young people’s confidence and career advancement. He particularly commended young women who are breaking societal barriers and making significant contributions to healthcare.



The event featured testimonials from graduates, including Mutahira, a 19-year-old Operation Theatre Technician at the Indus Hospital, who shared how the programme significantly boosted her confidence. Her story exemplifies the program’s success in enhancing communication skills and self-assurance among young participants.



With 81% of participants achieving positive outcomes post-completion, the ‘Get Into Healthcare’ programme is a crucial pathway for young individuals to secure meaningful employment and contribute to their families and communities. The collaborative effort between IHHN, Prince’s Trust International, and local partners such as CDA and LSF, reaffirms their shared commitment to youth empowerment and the development of Pakistan’s healthcare sector.



The success stories of the programme’s graduates serve as a testament to the potential of Pakistan’s youth and the importance of continued investment in initiatives that support their growth and development.

CMH Multan Institute Announces Fifth Batch of BDS Admissions for 2023-24

Multan, The CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences has issued a provisional call-up notice for the fifth batch of candidates seeking admission to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program for the session 2023-24. This announcement pertains to candidates with serial numbers 2301 to 2450 under the open merit category.

According to CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, the detailed information, including the list of candidates, is available through a provided link. The institute has set a deadline for the submission of fees for these candidates, which is due by 09 February 2024, until 3 PM. This step is part of the institute’s admissions process, aimed at facilitating the entry of new students into the BDS program based on open merit.

The call-up notice is an essential phase in the admissions cycle, enabling candidates to proceed with their enrolment by completing the necessary financial requirements within the specified timeframe. This process underscores the institute’s commitment to maintaining transparency and meritocracy in its admissions.

CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences Announces Second Provisional BDS Merit List

Multan, The CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) has released the second provisional merit list of candidates selected for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program for the 03 batch of the 2023-24 session. The announcement, which marks a critical step in the admissions process, outlines the names of candidates provisionally chosen based on open merit.

According to CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, the merit list is available for public viewing via a link provided by the institute. However, it is important to note that the selection is provisional and contingent upon a thorough verification of documents. The institute reserves the right to make corrections, revisions, amendments, or even disqualifications in case any error, omission, lapse, mistake, fraud, or misrepresentation is detected or brought to the attention of the Admission Cell at CIMS Multan.

The publication of the second provisional merit list is a crucial phase in the admissions cycle, allowing candidates to verify their status and prepare for the next steps in the enrollment process. CIMS Multan emphasizes the importance of accuracy in the admissions process and the institute’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for its BDS program.

Candidates and their families are urged to review the merit list carefully and to prepare the necessary documents for the verification process. The institute also encourages those listed to stay informed about any updates or further instructions from the Admission Cell to facilitate a smooth transition into their medical studies at CIMS Multan.

CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences Announces Second Provisional BDS Merit ListRecep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital Introduces Comprehensive Diabetes Management Program in Muzaffargarh

Multan, The CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) has released the second provisional merit list of candidates selected for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program for the 03 batch of the 2023-24 session. The announcement, which marks a critical step in the admissions process, outlines the names of candidates provisionally chosen based on open merit.

According to CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, the merit list is available for public viewing via a link provided by the institute. However, it is important to note that the selection is provisional and contingent upon a thorough verification of documents. The institute reserves the right to make corrections, revisions, amendments, or even disqualifications in case any error, omission, lapse, mistake, fraud, or misrepresentation is detected or brought to the attention of the Admission Cell at CIMS Multan.

The publication of the second provisional merit list is a crucial phase in the admissions cycle, allowing candidates to verify their status and prepare for the next steps in the enrollment process. CIMS Multan emphasizes the importance of accuracy in the admissions process and the institute’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for its BDS program.

Candidates and their families are urged to review the merit list carefully and to prepare the necessary documents for the verification process. The institute also encourages those listed to stay informed about any updates or further instructions from the Admission Cell to facilitate a smooth transition into their medical studies at CIMS Multan.

Muzaffargarh, In a groundbreaking effort to combat the prevalence of diabetes, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital (RTEH) has launched an extensive Diabetes Management Program. This initiative will offer a full range of services from diagnosis to treatment and awareness of diabetes and its complications, all at a single location.



According to The Indus Hospital, the Diabetes Management Program was inaugurated at RTEH in Muzaffargarh by Dr. Tasman A. Ibne Rasa, CEO of Indus Hospital and Health Network (North), and Dr. Shafiq Haider, Chief Operating Officer of the same network. Dr. Rasa emphasized that the program aligns with the hospital’s vision of providing holistic care to diabetic patients.



Dr. Haider underscored the importance of the new program, noting that it aims to eliminate the common hurdles diabetic patients face, such as accessing medications and understanding their condition. He pointed out that ignorance about diabetes can result in severe complications, including vision loss, kidney failure, and cardiovascular diseases.



Dr. Irfan Javed, the Head of Campus, expressed hope that the Diabetes Clinic will serve not only the local population in Southern Punjab but also attract patients from across the country, offering specialized care in a distinctive clinical environment.



The program, as per Dr. Sheraz Hassan, Faculty Chair, is designed to provide patients with essential guidance on diagnosis, treatments, balanced diets, and the management of diabetes-related health issues.



Dr. Nadeem Sohail, who leads the Diabetes Management Program, highlighted the clinic’s dedication to raising awareness about proper medication practices, dietary choices, and physical activities to manage diabetes effectively. He also mentioned that RTEH, with its 14,000 registered diabetic patients, stands out by offering free medications and insulin, which is not commonly available in other regional hospitals.



The inauguration of the Diabetes Management Program at RTEH marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare facilities for diabetic patients in Pakistan. It represents a concerted effort to address the diabetes epidemic through comprehensive care and to improve patient education for the effective management of this chronic disease.

Indus Hospital’s Youth Program Partners with The C.A.S School for Community Upliftment

Karachi, Indus Yaqeen, the youth empowerment initiative by Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), has forged a new partnership with The C.A.S School, Karachi. This collaboration aims to offer students an array of opportunities for engagement and service in support of IHHN’s mission to provide quality healthcare to the nation’s underprivileged sectors.

According to The Indus Hospital, the partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Sami Mustafa, Principal of The C.A.S School, and Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN. This agreement marks a significant step towards combining educational resources with healthcare initiatives to foster a compassionate and responsible future generation.

The collaboration is designed to enrich the educational experience of C.A.S School students by involving them in activities that promote the welfare of underserved communities, aligning with IHHN’s foundational goal of extending high-quality healthcare services to those in need. Indus Yaqeen emphasizes the importance of empathy and social responsibility, encouraging students to actively participate in efforts that make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

This joint effort between Indus Yaqeen and The C.A.S School represents a shared commitment to uplifting the livelihoods of Pakistan’s marginalized populations through education, empowerment, and direct action.