(AKUH) – Page 8 – Newswire Pakistan

October 8, 2021October 10, 2021

World Mental Health Day 2021

Karachi, October 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):What is the importance of International Mental Health Day?

Each year, 10 October is commemorated as International Mental Health Day to advocate the significance of mental health globally. It promotes international communities to have a constructive dialogue and engagement, not just about the prevention but also to mitigate taboo around this subject.

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan (AKUH, P) participates each year to raise awareness across Pakistan. It reminds the public that mental health is as important as physical health and comprises emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects our daily activities and how we relate to other people. Therefore, it is important to engage in self-care, especially if you suffer from mental health issues.

Mental Health Inequalities

Mental illness is closely associated with inequalities that prevail in society. This impacts those with severe mental illness more acutely. These inequalities are largely driven by complex and interrelated factors, such as:

Wider social and environmental determinants, such as poor health, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and incarceration.

Stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and exclusion.

Behaviours that pose a risk to health such as smoking and poor diet.

Lack of support to access health and preventative care.

Diagnostic overshadowing – the misattribution of physical health symptoms to part of an existing mental health diagnosis, rather than a genuine physical health problem requiring treatment. (Courtesy: UK Health and Security Agency).

Mental Health During the Pandemic

The risk of poor mental well-being of the public, and specifically vulnerable segments of the population has risen significantly during the pandemic.

Dr Nargis Asad, a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor Department of Psychiatry at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, states that “due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, there is tremendous fear and anxiety amongst the public. Overexposure to media, social media, and fake news about COVID-19 has increased anxiety levels, leading to mental health issues amongst the public.”

“Fear of infection, family members dying, overexposure to media, and misconceptions related to vaccinations, fake content on social media, can impact mental health in present times.”

Dr. Asad further explained that mental health issues are not age-specific. Adolescents, school-going children, college-going students, and even young adults are prone to suffering from mental health issues. She stated that living in midst of a pandemic, it is common to find yourself overthinking about exposure to the virus or being preoccupied with thoughts related it, which may interfere your day-to-day functioning and activities. It is advised that you seek professional mental health services if you experience these symptoms.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

October 2, 2021October 4, 2021

AKUH and AKU Outreach Health Network, Pakistan receive JCI reaccreditation

Karachi, October 02, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Aga Khan University Hospital and the Aga Khan University Outreach Health Network, Pakistan have been reaccredited by The Joint Commission International (JCI) for another three years. AKUH was the first hospital in Pakistan to receive this honour in 2006 and has successfully maintained this accreditation throughout. In 2015, AKUH became the first and only academic medical centre in Pakistan accredited by JCI. Continuing the journey of excellence in healthcare services and delivering on the globally recognised best practices, AKUH leadership is dedicated to setting higher standards in the country.

JCI is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that accredits and certifies healthcare organisations and their programmes. JCI, whose headquarters are in Chicago, USA, surveys healthcare organisations globally. Only those healthcare organisations that achieve the highest level of patient care and safety are eligible for accreditation.

Dr Shahid Shafi, CEO AKUH, Pakistan, lauded the teams and staff for their persistent efforts and hard work, which resulted in the successful reaccreditation. “In this exercise, everyone displayed an utmost commitment to excellence and high-quality care that our patients trust.” During his speech, following the survey’s successful conclusion on Friday, 24 September 2021, Dr Shafi remarked, “This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality care that our patients trust,” he added while addressing the audience.

“What steered all of us forward was the grit, commitment, and the tenacity of all the teams working together. Everyone had put the institution above all else, and this success is only possible because of our staff, our people.” Said Shagufta Hassan, CEO AKU Outreach and Health Network, Pakistan.

The survey repeats every three years and analyses the compliance to standards for patient safety, assessment and care of patients, safe surgical care and infection control practices, clinical research, and medical education against global benchmarks. The successful completion of the survey provides a gold seal of approval for excellence in service delivery to the patients.

“I am impressed by the participation of faculty, nurses, administrative staff, postgraduate trainees and medical students. It truly reflects everyone’s spirit for improving quality and patient safety in the only Academic Medical Centre in Pakistan that the Joint Commission International has accredited”, said Dr Mairaj Shah, Chair of the hospital’s JCIA Task Force.

As an institution of distinction, AKUH is committed to the highest standards of healthcare delivery and patient safety. The reaccreditation further solidifies AKUH’s belief in continuously striving for excellence in healthcare delivery in the country. AKUH provides access to those who cannot afford quality healthcare due to financial constraints. In 2020, AKUH disbursed PKR 3 billion in patient welfare and zakat to provide quality healthcare to over 850,000 patients across Pakistan.

For more information, contact:

Marketing and Communications,

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)

Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-111-911-911

Email: akuh.information@aku.edu

Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

September 22, 2021September 23, 2021

AKUH performs a low-risk procedure for a risky heart condition

Karachi, September 22, 2021 (PPI-OT):The cardiology and electrophysiology team at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) performed a low-risk, new technology procedure for atrial fibrillation, early this month. With a prevalence of about 1% to 4% in the general population, atrial fibrillation is a common but high-risk heart rhythm problem, in which the heart beats too fast and irregularly due to improper electrical impulses. It is a crucial risk factor for stroke if not treated appropriately and timely.

Although treatment of heart rhythm problems is a regular occurrence at AKUH, the use of this new technology is testament to AKUH’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and quality healthcare services to our patients. Dr Yawer Saeed, Assistant Professor and Consultant, Cardiology and Electrophysiology, led the procedure. His diverse team of cardiology, electrophysiology, and radiology technicians spent months before the procedure to learn its complete management and operation.

The technology, which is relatively new in Pakistan, is more effective, quicker and safer for patients compared to the old technology for atrial fibrillation ablation. “The latest procedure takes two to three hours, and the patient can return to work or drive after one week of the procedure,” Dr Saeed stated, adding that both procedure and recovery time has been reduced considerably. Patients seeking care for atrial fibrillation at AKUH have the benefit of multidisciplinary team to effectively manage this complex heart condition.

Patients’ needs and comfort are at the centre of everything that we do at AKUH. The new technology has paved the way for atrial fibrillation patients seeking care here and for cardiologists from Pakistan and across the world to get trained at AKUH.

September 17, 2021September 19, 2021

AKUH wins big: Becomes first Pakistani hospital to win a renowned global dental awareness accolade

Karachi, September 17, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Aga Khan University Hospital has become the first Pakistani health institution to win the “Best Campaign by a Dental Practice or Clinic” award for creating awareness about oral health. In a virtual ceremony held on September 16, World Dental Federation (FDI) awarded the “Best Campaign by a Dental Practice or Clinic to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan” for its efforts to raise awareness regarding oral health. This year’s theme for the campaign was “Be Proud of Your Mouth”.

Around the world, dental institutes and clinics arrange events to celebrate World Oral Health Day. These activities aim to create awareness and reduce the burden of oral health in the community. These activities include educational lectures, school activities, dental camps, media engagements, content creation and live sessions for the public.

FDI World Dental Federation rewards the efforts of World Oral Health Day enthusiasts annually to encourage participation in celebratory activities. These awards are divided into different categories to include members, students, institutions, and the public. AKUH was recognised for creating a campaign aiming to raise awareness regarding oral health in Pakistan.

September 11, 2021

World First Aid Day 2021

Karachi, September 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):First aid can be the difference between someone’s life and death, and basic knowledge of first aid procedures can help you and your loved ones get through a medical crisis. First aid procedures are a series of actions aimed at stabilising a sick or injured individual until they receive initial treatment from a trained medical team. The importance of first aid is fundamental, be it in case of a minor wound or a cardiac arrest.

Instances that require First Aid

1. Bleeding: Irrespective of its severity, all instances of bleeding must be controlled and monitored constantly. Possible first aid procedures to help in such cases include rinsing the wound with water (subject to the wound’s condition), wrapping the wound with a cloth or a bandage, and applying pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.

2. Burns: Burns are one of the more common household injuries and immediate identification and necessary first aid procedure can limit its severity. First aid measures include cooling the burn with cool (but not icy) or lukewarm water for 20 minutes and keeping warm till the patient is brought to the Emergency.

3. CPR: In the case of a cardiac arrest, timing is crucial. An essential first aid procedure in such an instance is CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Performing chest compressions and rescue breathing until medical officers arrive can be the difference between life and death.

4. Choking: Windpipe hindrance is a primary cause of choking, and first aid procedures for choking vary depending on the severity. The most obvious first aid procedure in the case of adults involves performing the Heimlich Maneuver.

5. Sprains: Primarily caused in connective tissues or ligaments, sprains can be caused by sudden wrenching or twisting a joint. First aid procedures in such cases comprise limiting the activity that can worsen the injury, cold compresses over the injured area, compression and keeping the injured area elevated. Sporting activities and exercise should be limited as a precaution until complete medical diagnosis to determine the cause of the sprain.

Be Prepared

Medical emergencies can arise at any given point in time. Ideally, only certified persons should perform first aid in providing immediate care in emergencies; however, given the pandemic, not everyone has access to primary healthcare. Therefore, every one of us must have basic first aid training, ensuring timely problem recognition and providing immediate care until we reach a healthcare facility for further treatment.

Another aspect of emergency preparedness includes regular maintenance of a first aid kit at home, familiarising yourself with its contents, and alerting the local medical services in your locality in case of an emergency. It is also essential to be aware of policies at work related to medical emergencies.

Must Haves in your first-aid kit (courtesy NHS).

Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes

Small, medium, and large sterile gauze dressings

At least two sterile eye dressings

Triangular bandages

Crêpe rolled bandages

Safety pins

Disposable sterile gloves

Tweezers

Scissors

Alcohol-free cleansing wipes

Sticky tape

Thermometer (preferably digital)

Skin rash creams, such as hydrocortisone or calendula

Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings

Antiseptic cream

Painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen

Antihistamine cream or tablets

Distilled water for cleaning wounds

Eyewash and eye bath

In case of an emergency, call our Emergency Department: 021-3486-1090.

Other Emergency Contacts: Karachi

Aman: UAN: +92 (21) 111-111-823 Aman Ambulance: 1021

Chippa Ambulance: 1020

Edhi: 115

Edhi Ambulance Control: 021 204800-205656

Police Helpline: 15

September 9, 2021

Princess Zahra Pavilion offers world-class care and a welcoming oasis

Karachi, September 09, 2021 (PPI-OT):At a special ceremony held in Karachi on Monday, 6 September, the Aga Khan University Hospital’s New Private Wing was officially named the Princess Zahra Pavilion. The state-of-the-art facility has been offering the highest standards of excellence and care to patients during their stay at the hospital since it first began operations in 2019.

In his remarks, President Firoz Rasul welcomed guests to the event and shared the Aga Khan University (AKU)’s the vision behind the design and construction of the New Private Wing at the Hospital in Karachi. He said, “This is the result of a globe-spanning collaborative effort to reimagine what an inpatient hospital facility can be. It is both a venue for the delivery of world-class care and a welcoming oasis of comfort and beauty for patients and their family members.”

Due to rapid progress in medical technology and best practice, it became clear that a new building would be required to replace the existing one, which had served patients well for more than 30 years. The new facility has been designed to provide peace and tranquillity to patients as they recuperate from clinical procedures. Inspired by Islamic Art and Culture, the architecture and landscaping have been carefully crafted to create a calming environment that contributes to patients’ healing process and early recovery. The complex houses 85 rooms, including private rooms, suites, special care rooms and isolation rooms in addition to family lounges, a dining court, roof terraces, and more.

President Rasul also paid tribute to Princess Zahra’s contributions to international development and health projects over many years, saying that “countless people have benefited from her knowledge, her wisdom and her dedication to serving those in need.”

“In naming the New Private Wing the Princess Zahra Pavilion, we recognise the tremendous impact that Princess Zahra has had and continues to have here in Pakistan and across the world,” he continued.

“It is an honour for me that this building should bear my name, as does the original pavilion, which was constructed over 20 years ago in Nairobi,” said chief guest Princess Zahra. She is also a member of AKU’s Board of Trustees.

She described the importance of the pavilion to the broader objectives of AKUH, especially in offering care and financial assistance to underprivileged individuals through the hospital’s patient welfare programme.

“The pavilion is an important source of revenue for the hospital, and thus it is an important contribution in our ability to serve the disadvantaged segment of the population,” Princess Zahra said. One out of every ten patients at the hospital earns less than two dollars per day. Yet, regardless of means, all patients are treated by the same surgeons and medical staff in the same operating rooms and facilities.

“The entire team responsible for its design and construction deserve congratulations. And every single person responsible for its day-to-day operations should be proud to work here,” said Princess Zahra. “As a result of all their efforts, Pakistanis no longer need to leave their country or their families to bear the expense and anxiety associated with doing so to access such care.”

Her comments were echoed by Dr Shahid Shafi, CEO of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Dr Shafi, who himself graduated from AKU’s medical college almost 40 years ago, has seen the institution grow over decades in terms of its patient bed numbers, the physical footprint of its various buildings, and its expansion to other countries.

“During this time, AKU has trained thousands of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and hospital managers who are now serving all over Pakistan and of course elsewhere in the world as well,” he said, highlighting that an investment in physical infrastructure is also an investment in people.

“We take a special pride in empowering women,” continued Dr Shafi. “Especially women from low and middle-income families who have been able to lift themselves and their families out of poverty, through the education they received right here on this campus.”

In a rapidly-changing world, this continuing endeavour stems from the long-standing values embedded at AKU and the wider Aga Khan Development Network – what Dr Shafi referred to as “an unwavering commitment to pursue excellence in everything that we do.”