Nuzair Ahmed Jamro

It is true that for thousands of poor and middle-class families in Sindh, the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) is much more than a hospital. It is a place where people who cannot afford expensive private treatment find care, dignity and hope. Yet the nature of that demand is changing. Kidney disease increasingly overlaps with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anemia, infections, nutritional deficiencies and respiratory complications. This means that the future of renal care cannot be defined by dialysis alone.

The next stage should be a more integrated, technology-enabled and patient-centered healthcare system in which specialized services work together around the needs of the patient.

A Kidney Patient Is More Than a Kidney Patient

Disease rarely respects the boundaries between medical specialties. Diabetes, for example, can progressively affect the kidneys, heart, eyes and nervous system, while hypertension can damage the kidneys and increase cardiovascular risk. A patient receiving dialysis may therefore also need management of diabetes, blood pressure, anemia, nutrition or cardiovascular complications.

This makes multidisciplinary care increasingly important. Nephrology and urology should be supported by cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, emergency medicine, intensive care, nutrition, physiotherapy and other relevant specialties. The principle is straightforward: treat the whole patient rather than treating each illness as a separate problem.

SIUT Sukkur: A Regional Opportunity

SIUT’s presence in Sukkur gives this vision a strong geographical foundation. Its facilities in Sukkur provide important urological and renal services, including dialysis, emergency care, lithotripsy, surgery, radiology and laboratory support. The larger Medical Complex at the Sukkur Bypass adds further capacity and creates an opportunity to develop a stronger regional referral system. Its location is particularly significant for northern Sindh. Patients from Sukkur and surrounding districts, including Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Ghotki and Khairpur, can potentially access specialized services without routinely travelling to Karachi.

The priority, therefore, should be to consolidate Sukkur as a regional hub for renal and related specialist care, while ensuring that patients requiring highly complex treatment remain connected to SIUT Karachi. This approach can improve access without attempting to reproduce every tertiary-care service at every location.

Connecting Kidney Care with Cardiac Care

Cardiovascular disease deserves special attention because many patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension also face cardiovascular complications. Here, SIUT and the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) have complementary roles. SIUT’s expertise lies principally in renal, urological and transplant care, while SICVD provides specialized cardiovascular services through its network across Sindh. The opportunity is therefore coordination rather than duplication.

A patient receiving dialysis who develops chest pain, severe breathlessness or another suspected cardiac emergency should have a clear pathway for rapid cardiac assessment and referral. Conversely, cardiac patients with significant kidney disease may require timely nephrology input. Formal referral protocols, shared clinical communication and appropriate access to patient information could make this relationship more effective. The objective is simple: specialized institutions should work as parts of one patient-centered system rather than as isolated services.

Pulmonology and Critical Care

Renal patients can also develop respiratory complications because of fluid overload, infection and other serious conditions. In such situations, timely oxygen therapy, respiratory support, monitoring and intensive care may be essential.

Strengthening pulmonology, emergency medicine and critical-care capacity should therefore accompany the development of major SIUT facilities. However, advanced equipment is only one part of critical care. Ventilators and ICU monitors require trained intensivists, pulmonologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and biomedical engineers. The effectiveness of technology ultimately depends on the people who operate and maintain it.

Urology: From Treatment to Early Intervention

Urology remains a central part of SIUT’s mission. Kidney stones, urinary obstruction and urological infections can cause severe pain and, when treatment is delayed, may contribute to infection or deterioration in kidney function. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment therefore require access to imaging, laboratory investigations, lithotripsy, endoscopic procedures and surgery.

SIUT’s existing urological capacity in Sukkur provides an important base. Further strengthening the connection between urology, nephrology, radiology, laboratory medicine and emergency services can help patients move more efficiently from diagnosis to treatment. The emphasis should be on early intervention and continuity of care, particularly for conditions that can contribute to preventable kidney damage.

One Patient, One Connected Medical Record

Digitalization could significantly strengthen this model. A secure electronic health record could bring together a patient’s dialysis history, laboratory results, blood pressure, glucose levels, hemoglobin, medications, imaging, urological procedures, cardiac investigations, admissions and specialist consultations.

This would allow authorized clinicians to understand the patient’s broader medical history rather than relying on fragmented records. A cardiologist, for example, could review relevant renal information, while a respiratory team could see important details about kidney function and previous admissions. Such connectivity could reduce unnecessary repetition of investigations and improve continuity of care. Privacy, cyber security and role-based access would be essential components of such a system. Digital technology should not replace clinical judgment. It should give clinicians better information at the point of care.

Telemedicine: Extending Expertise beyond the Hospital

Digital connectivity can also address one of Sindh’s most persistent healthcare challenges: distance. For patients from Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur and other remote areas, repeated journeys to Karachi can impose significant financial and physical burdens. Telemedicine can bring specialist consultation closer to these communities while retaining access to tertiary expertise.

A practical model could connect: Local facility → Regional SIUT hub → SIUT Karachi

Routine follow-up and selected consultations could be handled closer to the patient’s home, while complex cases could be referred to Sukkur or Karachi. This would make regional healthcare more efficient without requiring every facility to become a tertiary hospital.

Taking Renal Care Closer to Underserved Communities

Once a strong regional hub is established, the next question is how to reach communities that remain distant from specialized care. Areas such as Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot and Kandiaro could be considered for SIUT-linked renal and diagnostic services, subject to population needs, feasibility and available resources.

These facilities need not replicate the full SIUT model. Depending on local demand, they could provide dialysis, nephrology consultation, diabetes and hypertension screening, basic laboratory services, essential imaging, nutrition counseling and telemedicine, with complex patients referred to Sukkur or Karachi. Such a hub-and-spoke structure would allow SIUT to expand its reach while maintaining specialist oversight.

Prevention Must Accompany Treatment

No expansion of hospital services can fully address kidney disease without prevention. Diabetes and hypertension are major contributors to chronic kidney disease, and early detection can provide an opportunity for intervention before complications become advanced. Community programs should therefore promote regular blood-pressure checks, diabetes screening, kidney-function assessment, healthy dietary practices, physical activity and medication adherence.

Schools, workplaces, colleges, community organizations and primary healthcare facilities can all contribute to this effort. The public-health message need not be complicated: Detect diabetes early. Control blood pressure. Protect the kidneys. Protect the heart.

Rehabilitation and Quality of Life

Successful healthcare should not be measured only by survival. Chronic kidney disease and prolonged hospitalization can affect mobility, strength, nutrition, employment and emotional wellbeing. Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, dietary counseling and appropriate psychosocial support can help patients maintain independence and improve their quality of life. For chronic-care patients, these services should be viewed as part of treatment rather than as optional additions.

Investing in SIUT’s Next Chapter

Such a healthcare network will require sustained investment, but investment should extend beyond buildings and machines.

The Government of Sindh can play an enabling role through long-term infrastructure support, land and utilities where appropriate, ambulance and referral systems, digital connectivity and coordination with other public-sector health institutions. Donors and philanthropists can support targeted areas such as ICU development, ventilators, advanced diagnostics, laboratories, telemedicine, electronic medical records, ambulances, rehabilitation and specialist training.

Equally important is investment in human resources. Doctors and nurses must be supported alongside technicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, laboratory professionals, IT specialists and biomedical engineers. There is also an opportunity to establish dedicated support for research and innovation so that future expansion is guided by patient data, clinical evidence and regional healthcare needs.

Keeping the Human Spirit at the Centre

Amid all this discussion of technology and expansion, the central principle of SIUT should remain unchanged: the ability to pay should not determine access to treatment. Technology should strengthen that principle.

A dialysis center closer to a patient’s home reduces the burden of travel. A reliable cardiac referral pathway can shorten delays during emergencies. A properly staffed ICU can provide timely critical care. A connected medical record can prevent important clinical information from being lost between departments. These are not simply technological improvements. They are ways of making healthcare more accessible and humane.

A Connected Healthcare Future for Sindh

The next chapter of SIUT should not be defined simply by more dialysis machines, additional beds or new buildings. Its greater opportunity lies in building a connected healthcare network.

SIUT Karachi can continue to serve as a center of excellence, while SIUT Sukkur and the Babarlo Bypass facility can develop as an important regional hub for northern Sindh. Carefully planned satellite and linked services can bring essential renal care closer to communities in other underserved districts. At the same time, structured coordination with SICVD can strengthen care for patients whose kidney, diabetic and cardiovascular conditions overlap.

In such a system, a patient could begin treatment near home, receive specialist advice through telemedicine, access advanced regional services when necessary and be referred to Karachi for highly complex care. Most importantly, patients should not have to understand the boundaries between institutions. The healthcare system should manage those boundaries for them.

For a poor family in a remote part of Sindh, quality healthcare should not be a choice between travelling hundreds of kilometers and going without treatment. SIUT’s next chapter can therefore be about much more than dialysis. It can combine free healthcare with advanced technology, multidisciplinary medicine, digital connectivity and regional access, while preserving the compassion that made the institution distinctive in the first place.

Free healthcare. Advanced technology. Connected services. Multidisciplinary care. And, above all, dignity for every patient. That is how SIUT can continue helping turn healthcare from a privilege into a right for the people of Sindh.

Read: Strengthening Rural Primary Healthcare

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Based in Shikarpur, Sindh, the writer is a civil servant and MS research fellow in Public Administration. He writes on governance, public policy, and digital transformation. Email: najamro@gmail.com.

The post Redefining Renal Care for Sindh’s Future first appeared on Sindh Courier.

HYDERABAD: The Department of Women Psychiatry and Perinatal Mental Health, in collaboration with the ALIF Charity Center of Education and Vocational Institute, held a joint program at on Wednesday to enhance rehabilitation opportunities for women undergoing mental health treatment at Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Attendees included doctors, hospital staff, ALIF representatives, civil society members, and notable guests, including Dr. Jabeen Bhutto from the Department of Comparative Religion and Islamic Culture (SU Jamshoro) and philanthropist Dr. Saba Shah.

Dr. Nisar A. Sohoo, Medical Superintendent of CJ Hospital, delivered the welcome address. Highlighting the department’s progress, Dr. Parveen Channar detailed the history of the Women Ward, its existing facilities, and future improvement plans. In recognition of the institutional support provided by the ALIF Charity Center, the hospital presented Certificates of Appreciation to its representatives.

During the event, Dr. Abida Siddiqi spoke on behalf of ALIF, while Dr. Zeenat M. Ali outlined the goals of the joint project, emphasizing its focus on skill-building and overall quality of daily life for female patients. The program also featured a musical performance by Music Therapist Mr. Ravi Tamboli.

The initiative formally began with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, symbolizing a shared commitment to supporting patient rehabilitation, practical learning, and recreational support. Dr. Ambreen Mussarat, RMO at the Department of Women Psychiatry, offered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Sadaf Talpur (Senior Pharmacist) and Ms. Razia Sultana (Rehabilitation In-charge) moderated the proceedings. (Press release)

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Read: Mental Health of Institutionalized Children in Pakistan

The post Mental Health Initiative for Women Launched first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Dr. Jaipal Chhabria

Every year, 10 September is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day to draw attention to one of the most painful and neglected public-health problems in the world. The theme for 2024–2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, and in 2026 the call is “Start the Conversation.” The message is simple: suicide should not be surrounded by silence, shame and stigma. We must talk about it openly, compassionately and responsibly.

What is suicide?

Suicide is the intentional ending of one’s own life. However, suicide should not be understood simply as an individual decision or a consequence of one particular problem. It is usually the result of a complex interaction of psychological, social, family, economic, cultural and environmental factors.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide. In 2021, an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, while 73% of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries. For every suicide, there are many more attempts.

Suicide is therefore not only a mental-health issue. It is a public-health, social and economic issue requiring action from governments, health departments, schools, families, communities and civil society.

Psychological causes

Mental-health problems can significantly increase suicide risk. Depression, severe anxiety, substance-use disorders, trauma, loneliness and other psychological difficulties may make a person feel that there is no solution to their suffering.

But we must avoid the misconception that every person who dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental illness. WHO points out that many suicides occur during periods of acute crisis when a person temporarily loses the ability to cope with overwhelming stress. Relationship problems, financial difficulties, chronic illness, violence, abuse, loss and isolation can all contribute.

This is why early identification is so important. A person who is suffering needs someone who will listen without judgment and connect them with appropriate professional and social support.

Social causes

Social conditions can create enormous psychological pressure. Domestic violence, forced or unhappy marriages, family conflict, discrimination, social isolation, lack of education, unemployment and the breakdown of traditional support systems can all increase vulnerability.

Young people are particularly exposed to pressures related to education, employment, relationships and social expectations. Women facing domestic violence or restrictions on their choices may feel trapped when there is no safe support system.

The answer is not to blame the victim or the family. We need to create a society where asking for psychological help is considered an act of courage rather than a source of shame.

Economic causes

Poverty and economic insecurity can also contribute to despair. Unemployment, debt, loss of livelihood, food insecurity, illness-related expenses and inability to provide for one’s family can produce severe psychological stress.

This relationship is particularly important in rural and drought-affected areas. In Tharparkar, previous reporting has linked worsening economic conditions, declining agricultural yields, livestock losses and drought with increased vulnerability to suicide.

Economic hardship alone does not automatically cause suicide, but when poverty is combined with family conflict, isolation, poor healthcare and lack of hope for the future, the risk can become much greater.

Pakistan: a serious problem hidden by poor data

Pakistan faces a major challenge because reliable national suicide statistics are limited. WHO’s country data lists a suicide mortality rate of 6.09 per 100,000 population for Pakistan in 2019, but WHO also emphasizes that suicide data are frequently incomplete or under-reported because of stigma, misclassification and weaknesses in death-registration systems.

Therefore, we should not assume that available numbers represent the true scale of the problem.

Pakistan needs a reliable national suicide surveillance system covering hospitals, police records, death registration and mental-health services. Without accurate information, governments cannot identify high-risk communities or measure whether prevention programs are working.

The painful situation in Sindh and Tharparkar

The situation in Tharparkar deserves particular attention. Reports have repeatedly identified the district as having an exceptionally high number of reported suicides in relation to its population.

According to Tharparkar police figures reported by Dawn, 129 suicides were recorded in 2022, compared with 121 in 2021. Of the 129 reported deaths in 2022, 70 were females and 59 were males. The reporting also highlighted domestic violence, unhappy marriages, poverty, social isolation and weakened community support as important factors.

Earlier studies and reports have also identified drought, poverty, loss of agricultural livelihoods and livestock as contributing pressures. A psychological-autopsy study in Tharparkar found that financial constraints, chronic physical or mental-health problems and social difficulties were among the factors expressed by victims; notably, 48% of the cases studied involved teenagers.

More recent research involving more than 5,000 residents of Tharparkar has continued to highlight mental-health problems and lack of awareness as major concerns. Experts have also emphasized the stigma surrounding mental illness.

This is a warning that Tharparkar cannot be treated simply as another administrative district. It requires a special suicide-prevention program designed around its geographical, economic, cultural and healthcare realities.

Failure of the Sindh Government

The continuing problem also raises serious questions about the performance of the Sindh Government.

Establishing institutions is not enough. The people of Tharparkar need functioning mental-health services, trained professionals, emergency support, reliable data and continuous community-based prevention.

A 2023 report noted that despite the establishment of the Sindh Mental Health Authority, Tharparkar had only one psychiatrist serving the enormous district, while police records were also inconsistent and many cases were poorly investigated or classified.

This represents a failure not merely of healthcare but of governance.

The Sindh Government must accept that suicide prevention requires a long-term program rather than occasional seminars after another tragedy occurs.

Our recommendations

First, Sindh should establish a District Suicide Prevention Program in Tharparkar, with dedicated funding and measurable targets.

Second, every major hospital and rural health facility should have trained psychologists, psychiatrists or mental-health counsellors, with tele-psychiatry available in remote villages.

Third, schools and colleges should introduce mental-health awareness, emotional-life skills and confidential counselling for students.

Fourth, the government should establish a 24-hour suicide and mental-health crisis helpline connected to trained professionals and emergency services.

Fifth, accurate suicide and attempted-suicide data must be collected through hospitals, police, death registration and public-health departments while protecting families’ privacy.

Sixth, special programs must address domestic violence, forced marriages, child marriage and violence against women.

Seventh, economic programs in Tharparkar must address poverty, drought, water shortages, food insecurity, livestock losses and unemployment. Suicide prevention cannot succeed while people remain trapped in extreme economic insecurity.

Eighth, highly hazardous pesticides and other readily accessible lethal means should be regulated and safely stored. WHO identifies restricting access to highly lethal means as one of the evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention.

Ninth, media organizations must report suicides responsibly and avoid sensationalism, speculation or unnecessary details about the method. Responsible reporting can help rather than increase harm.

Tenth, religious leaders, teachers, doctors, community leaders, NGOs and civil-society organizations should be trained to recognize warning signs and guide vulnerable people towards professional help.

Conclusion

Suicide is not a sign of weakness. It is often a sign that a person has reached a point where unbearable suffering has overwhelmed their ability to cope.

We must replace silence with conversation, stigma with compassion, neglect with treatment and despair with hope.

The people of Tharparkar deserve the same right to mental-healthcare and social protection as every other citizen of Pakistan. Every life lost is not merely a statistic—it is a parent, child, brother, sister, husband, wife or friend whose absence leaves a permanent wound.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2026, let us start the conversation.

The Sindh Government must act before another life is lost. Suicide is preventable, and prevention must become a public-health priority.

Read: Desperate cries: Suicides increase in Tharparkar

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Dr. Jaipal Chhabria – Committee Against Human Rights Violation, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Sindh

The post Suicide: A Human Tragedy We Can Prevent first appeared on Sindh Courier.

The latest malaria surveillance report indicates 47,064 malaria-positive cases, up from 31,861.

By Sher Muhammad Baloch

Climate change is no longer a threat to the environment; it’s now a threat to human health. In Pakistan, a nation highly susceptible to climate change, the changing environment is playing a major role in the transmission of infectious diseases, including malaria. Warmer temperatures, irregular rainfall and extreme weather conditions are all contributing to the creation of a perfect environment for mosquito breeding and disease spread, thereby putting millions of people at risk and putting pressure on over-burdened health infrastructures.

Malaria, transmitted by mosquitos and caused by Plasmodium parasites, is a significant health concern in Pakistan. Thousands of cases are reported each year, many of which are laboratory confirmed. The burden is highest in rural, flood-prone and economically backward regions where health services are inadequate. Though national and provincial programs have succeeded in lowering the incidence rate, climate change may now undermine this progress.

A local case study of both the threat and the response is the district of Badin, which is vulnerable to climate impacts on the coast. The latest malaria surveillance report indicates 47,064 malaria-positive cases, up from 31,861. This growth is a result of both increased risk factors for transmission due to climate change, and improved case detection due to greater health services. Malaria screening and treatment services have been greatly enhanced in 120 public and private health facilities, including isolated coastal areas.

This improvement is due in large part to the special and collective actions of the District Health Office, Badin, and the National Rural Support Program (NRSP). These agencies have been instrumental in scaling up malaria services in remote and vulnerable areas, also hit by climate change. They have collaborated to ensure rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy services, and effective treatment of malaria in the community.

The District Health Office has driven surveillance, monitoring, and coordination, ensuring regular collection and analysis of malaria data for timely response. NRSP has also improved outreach through community mobilization, engaging local health providers, and encouraging private clinics to engage in malaria screening. Their collaborative efforts have also included training health professionals, strengthening reporting and the timely supply of diagnostics and medicines.

Crucially, they have also reached the coastal areas of Badin, where the population is more vulnerable due to poor infrastructure, stagnant water bodies and a lack of health facilities. Through the involvement of private clinics, NRSP and district governments have improved coverage and diagnosis. This has led to more early detection and treatment, preventing severe disease and reducing the spread of malaria.

Malaria continues to grow in such areas as a result of climate change. Higher temperatures speed up the development of Anopheles mosquitoes, and irregular rainfall leads to stagnant pools for mosquito breeding. In Badin, tidal flooding and poor drainage also contribute to the problem. These shifts are resulting in more intense and persistent malaria transmission.

The impact has been exacerbated by extreme events such as floods. The 2022 floods devastated Sindh, including Badin, flooding many areas and displacing people. Stagnant water and crowded living conditions led to a malaria outbreak. However, the proactive measures by local health authorities and organizations such as NRSP have led to better control of the outbreak compared to past years.

Climate change affects humans through social vulnerabilities, too. Poorer communities, especially in coastal and rural areas, may not have access to preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets and adequate housing. Their financial constraints also limit access to treatment. In such a scenario, the community education and awareness activities of NRSP and the District Health Office are important in promoting awareness and early care-seeking for malaria.

Another key outcome of these efforts is the resilience of the health system. Despite climate impacts, such as flooding, the health teams have continued to provide malaria services. Community-based screening, mobile outreach, and outbreak response have enhanced the district’s outbreak capabilities.

Malaria seasonality is shifting due to climate change. Previously, infections spiked after the monsoon, but now there is a longer transmission period, and in some locations, malaria is no longer seasonal. This demands constant vigilance, investment, and flexibility.

Pakistan has improved malaria control with measures such as bed net distributions, better diagnostic tools, and surveillance. But the Badin experience shows local collaborations and strategies are also key. The complementary efforts of government and NGOs can play a crucial role in enhancing response, even in these vulnerable and climate-threatened regions.

Finally, climate change is altering malaria transmission patterns in Pakistan, with flood- and coastal-risk-prone areas such as Badin being most vulnerable. The increase in the number of cases to 47,064 (up from 31,861) indicates both the rising risk and the effectiveness of a better detection mechanism. The efforts of the District Health Office, Badin, and the National Rural Support Program are a prime example of how community-centered and collaborative efforts can reduce the impact of climate change on health. Ongoing effort, adaptation to climate change, and future collaboration will be required to control malaria and safeguard at-risk communities.

Read: Over 540,000 malaria cases reported in flood-hit Pakistan in 2022

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• The Medical Tower should serve as the central hub of a province-wide telemedicine network connecting district hospitals, taluka hospitals, and rural health centers with specialist doctors in Karachi.

By Nuzair Ahmed Jamro

A Timely Opportunity for Healthcare Reform

Healthcare is one of the most important public services provided by any government. It directly affects the quality of life, productivity, and well-being of citizens. A healthy population contributes to economic growth, educational attainment, and social stability. Therefore, investments in healthcare should not be viewed merely as expenditures but as investments in human development and the future of society.

Against this backdrop, the announcement by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho that a master plan has been prepared for Civil Hospital Karachi is a highly encouraging development. Equally significant is the financial support being provided by philanthropist Faisal Edhi for the construction of a Medical Tower. Together, these initiatives present a rare opportunity to strengthen public healthcare services and modernize one of Pakistan’s most important healthcare institutions.

However, the true significance of the project lies not in the construction of a new building alone. Rather, it lies in how effectively this initiative can transform healthcare delivery across Sindh and improve access to quality medical services for millions of citizens.

Understanding the Current Reality

Before discussing the future potential of the Medical Tower, it is important to understand the healthcare challenges currently faced by Sindh.

Despite notable progress in recent years, significant disparities continue to exist between urban and rural healthcare facilities. While Karachi hosts some of the province’s largest hospitals and specialist centers, many district and taluka hospitals struggle with shortages of specialist doctors, modern diagnostic equipment, advanced laboratories, and critical care facilities.

As a result, thousands of patients from districts such as Shikarpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Dadu, Badin, Umerkot, and Tharparkar travel to Karachi every month seeking specialized treatment.

For many families, this journey is both financially and emotionally challenging. Travel expenses, accommodation costs, lost wages, and long waiting times often add to the burden of illness. Consequently, major hospitals in Karachi face overwhelming patient loads, overcrowded wards, and increasing pressure on healthcare professionals.

While doctors, nurses, and hospital staff continue to perform their duties with dedication, the demand for healthcare services often exceeds available resources. Therefore, expanding healthcare infrastructure has become a necessity rather than a choice.

Looking Beyond Infrastructure

Although the construction of the Medical Tower is a welcome initiative, healthcare experts worldwide agree that infrastructure alone cannot solve healthcare challenges.

A modern healthcare institution is not defined merely by its physical structure. Instead, its effectiveness depends on governance, management systems, technological integration, human resource development, and patient-centered service delivery. Therefore, the Medical Tower should be envisioned as much more than a hospital extension. It should become a center of excellence that combines specialized treatment, medical education, research, digital healthcare, and administrative innovation under one roof.

Such an approach would enable Sindh to move beyond traditional healthcare models and embrace a future-oriented system capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.

Learning from National and International Best Practices

Around the world, leading hospitals have successfully integrated technology and modern management practices into healthcare delivery. Countries such as Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated how digital health systems can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.

Similarly, several provinces within Pakistan have introduced reforms aimed at improving healthcare services. Punjab has invested in specialized healthcare institutions and digital monitoring systems, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has expanded healthcare access through innovative policy initiatives.

Sindh now has an opportunity not only to follow these examples but also to establish its own model of healthcare excellence centered on technology, transparency, and inclusivity.

The Case for Digital Transformation

One of the most important reforms associated with the Medical Tower should be the introduction of a comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

At present, many public hospitals continue to rely heavily on paper-based records. This often leads to delays, duplication of tests, administrative inefficiencies, and difficulties in tracking patient histories.

By introducing a province-wide digital health record system, every citizen could have a unique electronic medical profile accessible to authorized healthcare providers throughout Sindh. Such a system would improve continuity of care, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and enable faster clinical decision-making.

Furthermore, digital health records would provide policymakers with valuable data for healthcare planning, disease surveillance, and resource allocation.

Telemedicine: Connecting Karachi with Rural Sindh

While infrastructure development in Karachi is important, the ultimate goal should be to improve healthcare access throughout the province. This is where telemedicine can play a transformative role.

The Medical Tower should serve as the central hub of a province-wide telemedicine network connecting district hospitals, taluka hospitals, and rural health centers with specialist doctors in Karachi. Through secure digital platforms, patients in remote districts could consult specialists without travelling long distances. Likewise, local doctors could seek expert advice regarding complex cases.

Such a system would be particularly beneficial for residents of remote regions where specialist healthcare services remain limited. More importantly, it would reduce financial hardship for low-income families while improving access to timely medical care.

Strengthening Healthcare Governance

Infrastructure and technology alone cannot guarantee success. Strong governance remains equally important. Public hospitals often face challenges related to administrative delays, fragmented decision making, and limited accountability mechanisms. Therefore, the Medical Tower should be managed through a professional and autonomous governance structure.

An independent management board comprising healthcare experts, administrators, financial professionals, academics, and civil society representatives could provide strategic oversight and ensure transparent decision-making.

Such a model would reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks while promoting efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. In addition, performance-based management systems should be introduced to evaluate service quality, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

Establishing a Provincial Health Command Center

Another forward-looking reform would be the creation of a Provincial Health Command and Control Center linked with the Medical Tower.

This facility could monitor hospital performance indicators in real time, including patient admissions, emergency cases, bed occupancy rates, ambulance operations, medicine inventories, and disease outbreaks.

Access to real-time data would enable healthcare administrators and policymakers to respond more effectively to emerging challenges. It would also improve resource allocation and strengthen emergency preparedness. In an era where data-driven governance is becoming increasingly important, such a command center could significantly improve healthcare management across Sindh.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare systems worldwide. While the technology should be introduced carefully and responsibly, it offers significant opportunities for improving healthcare delivery.

AI-assisted systems can support medical imaging, disease screening, predictive analytics, patient risk assessment, and hospital resource management. For example, AI tools can help identify disease patterns, predict patient volumes, and support clinical decision-making. This does not replace healthcare professionals; rather, it enhances their ability to provide timely and accurate care.

By incorporating smart technologies into the Medical Tower, Sindh can position itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Pakistan.

Investing in Research and Human Capital

No healthcare system can succeed without investing in people. Therefore, the Medical Tower should include dedicated facilities for medical education, professional training, and research. Modern simulation laboratories, research centers, and continuous professional development programs can help improve the skills of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators.

Partnerships with universities, research institutions, and international organizations can further strengthen academic and scientific collaboration. In the long run, investments in human capital often generate greater returns than investments in physical infrastructure alone.

Why Rural Sindh Must Remain the Focus

Perhaps the most important question is this: Who will benefit from the Medical Tower? The answer should be simple: every citizen of Sindh. The success of the project should not be measured solely by the number of patients treated in Karachi. Instead, it should be assessed by its ability to improve healthcare access for people living in underserved and remote areas.

Imagine a farmer in Kashmore receiving specialist consultation through telemedicine, a teacher in Tharparkar accessing advanced diagnostic services through digital referrals, or a patient in Shikarpur obtaining timely treatment without making repeated visits to Karachi.

These are not unrealistic goals. They are achievable outcomes if technology, governance, and healthcare planning are effectively integrated. By connecting urban expertise with rural healthcare needs, the Medical Tower can become a bridge between opportunity and accessibility.

Economic and Social Benefits

The benefits of the Medical Tower extend far beyond healthcare. Large-scale healthcare investments create employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, researchers, pharmacists, engineers, information technology specialists, and support staff. They also stimulate economic activity through infrastructure development and service expansion.

Moreover, healthier populations contribute to greater workforce productivity, improved educational outcomes, and reduced poverty caused by healthcare expenses. Therefore, healthcare development should be viewed not only as a social necessity but also as an economic strategy.

The Road Ahead

The proposed Medical Tower at Civil Hospital Karachi represents a historic opportunity for Sindh. It offers the chance to modernize healthcare infrastructure, strengthen governance, embrace digital innovation, and expand healthcare access across the province.

Yet, the ultimate success of the project will depend on the vision that guides its implementation. If it remains merely a construction project, its impact will be limited. However, if it becomes the foundation of broader healthcare reform, its benefits can extend to every district and every community.

The challenge before policymakers is clear. They must ensure that the Medical Tower becomes more than a landmark building. It must become a symbol of a healthcare system that is efficient, transparent, technologically advanced, and accessible to all.

If that vision is realized, the Medical Tower will not simply serve Karachi. It will connect and heal Sindh from Karachi to Kashmore, from Tharparkar to Shikarpur, and from the largest cities to the most remote villages. That is the promise this project holds. More importantly, that is the promise the people of Sindh deserve.

Read: Keti Bandar: Reshaping Coastal Futures

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Hailing from Shikarpur, Nuzair Ahmed Jamro, is a Civil Servant and Research Fellow in Public Administration. He can be reached at: najamro@gmail.com

The post A Medical Tower to Heal Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Mahjabeen Channa

Breast cancer is no longer a disease affecting only a few families; it has become one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Across the world, millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Yet, despite advances in medical science and improved treatment options, thousands continue to lose their lives because the disease is detected too late. In many developing countries, including Pakistan, the lack of awareness, social stigma, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate healthcare facilities continue to fuel this silent epidemic. Therefore, breast cancer awareness is not merely a health campaign; it is a lifesaving necessity.

Among Asian countries, Pakistan bears one of the heaviest burdens of breast cancer. It has the highest rate of breast cancer mortality and morbidity in Asia. Approximately 90,000 new cases are reported annually, and more than 40,000 women lose their lives to the disease each year. It is estimated that one in every ten Pakistani women may develop breast cancer during her lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounted for 14.5 percent of new cancer cases and 11.7 percent of cancer-related deaths in Pakistan. Alarmingly, around 89 percent of breast cancer patients in the country are diagnosed at a late stage, while nearly 59 percent present with advanced disease. These statistics reflect not only the severity of the disease but also the urgent need for awareness and early detection.

One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan is the silence surrounding breast health. Discussions about breast cancer are often considered uncomfortable or inappropriate due to socio-cultural norms and taboos. Many women hesitate to speak about breast abnormalities because of embarrassment, fear of social judgment, or concerns about their marital relationships and family acceptance. The fear of surgery, pain, loss of femininity, and physical disfigurement further discourages women from seeking timely medical attention.

In rural areas, these barriers become even more pronounced. Limited literacy, poor access to healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and reliance on traditional healers often delay diagnosis. Many women first seek spiritual healing or home remedies instead of consulting qualified healthcare professionals. Consequently, by the time they arrive at specialized cancer hospitals, treatment options become limited and survival rates decline significantly.

The experiences of other Asian countries demonstrate that awareness and organized screening programs can dramatically improve outcomes. In Japan, nationwide awareness campaigns and regular screening programs have contributed to earlier diagnosis and better survival rates. Women above a certain age are encouraged to undergo mammography at regular intervals, supported by public health initiatives.

Similarly, South Korea has made substantial progress through its National Cancer Screening Program, which provides breast cancer screening services and promotes public education regarding early detection. The program has led to increased participation in screening and improved treatment outcomes.

Singapore also offers an important example. Through the Breast Screen Singapore program, women are encouraged to undergo mammograms every two years. Educational campaigns, community outreach, and accessible services have enhanced awareness and reduced the fear associated with breast cancer screening.

Even neighboring India has expanded awareness campaigns through government and non-governmental initiatives. Community health workers educate women about breast self-examination and warning signs of breast cancer. Although challenges remain, these efforts have contributed to increased awareness, especially among rural populations.

Pakistan can learn valuable lessons from these Asian experiences. Public education, affordable screening, and community engagement have the power to save thousands of lives.

Awareness begins with understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Women should seek medical advice if they notice a lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, nipple inversion, redness, persistent pain, or unusual swelling. Recognizing these symptoms early can significantly improve treatment success.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple and cost-effective method that women can perform at home once every month. Although BSE does not replace clinical examinations or mammography, it helps women become familiar with their bodies and identify unusual changes promptly. Healthcare workers, nurses, and lady health visitors should be trained to educate women about proper breast self-examination techniques, particularly in underserved communities where advanced screening facilities are unavailable.

Clinical breast examinations and mammography services should be expanded across Pakistan’s healthcare system. Unfortunately, such facilities are not widely available at primary healthcare centers, especially in rural districts. The government must integrate breast health services into existing maternal and reproductive health programs to ensure broader reach and accessibility.

Pakistan urgently requires a comprehensive national cancer registry. Reliable data collection is essential for effective policymaking, resource allocation, research, and program planning. Accurate records would help healthcare professionals and policymakers identify trends, evaluate interventions, and develop targeted strategies to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is not solely the responsibility of doctors, hospitals, or governments. It is a collective responsibility shared by families, communities, educational institutions, religious leaders, media organizations, and civil society. Every conversation that breaks the silence, every woman who learns self-examination, and every family that encourages screening contributes to saving lives.

Breast cancer detected early is often treatable and survivable. No woman should lose her life because of fear, stigma, ignorance, or lack of access to healthcare. Pakistan must transform awareness into action by promoting education, expanding screening services, strengthening healthcare systems, and fostering a supportive social environment. By learning from successful examples across Asia and prioritizing women’s health, Pakistan can reduce breast cancer mortality and give thousands of women the chance to live healthy, productive lives.

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Read: Breast cancer cases to rise by nearly 40% by 2050, WHO warns

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A culture of prevention is not built overnight, but it begins with changing attitudes and priorities

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

The old saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” has never been more relevant for Pakistan. Every year, the country spends enormous resources responding to outbreaks, treating illnesses, and managing health emergencies that could have been prevented through timely interventions, public awareness, and stronger healthcare systems. Yet, prevention often receives far less attention than treatment. As a result, Pakistan repeatedly finds itself reacting to crises rather than preparing for them.

The irrational use of medicines, poor adherence to hygiene and precautionary practices, shortages of essential healthcare supplies, and the absence of effective proactive measures continue to worsen the impact of diseases and epidemics. Time and again, the country responds only after outbreaks have spread widely, exposing weaknesses in preparedness and public health awareness.

However, disease prevention is not only about controlling dengue, chikungunya, or COVID-19. It must become the foundation of Pakistan’s healthcare approach. Infectious diseases, vaccine-preventable illnesses, waterborne infections, and even non-communicable diseases can be significantly reduced through preventive measures.

Pakistan remains among the countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country reports more than 600,000 new TB cases every year. TB is both preventable and curable, yet delayed diagnosis, poor treatment adherence, overcrowded living conditions, malnutrition, and stigma continue to fuel its transmission. The emergence of drug-resistant TB, largely due to incomplete or irrational use of anti-TB medicines, has created another major challenge. Early diagnosis, completion of prescribed treatment, adequate nutrition, and public education can prevent thousands of avoidable deaths.

Similarly, HIV/AIDS continues to emerge as a growing public health concern. Pakistan has witnessed a steady increase in HIV infections during recent years, with more than 300,000 people estimated to be living with HIV. Unfortunately, many remain unaware of their infection status due to limited testing and social stigma. Prevention through awareness campaigns, safe blood transfusion practices, screening of blood products, the use of sterile syringes, and harm-reduction programs for people who inject drugs is essential. Communities must also address the stigma surrounding HIV so that people seek testing and treatment without fear or discrimination.

Vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective preventive interventions in human history. Yet, Pakistan continues to face outbreaks of measles due to gaps in immunization coverage. Hundreds of children fall ill every year from diseases that vaccines can prevent. Likewise, Pakistan remains one of the few countries where poliovirus transmission has not been completely interrupted. Continued support for routine immunization services, community engagement, and trust-building efforts is critical to protecting future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Waterborne diseases also impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Typhoid fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis E, cholera, and acute diarrheal diseases continue to affect vulnerable populations, particularly in communities lacking access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. Unsafe food handling practices, open defecation, poor waste disposal, and contaminated water sources contribute significantly to disease transmission. Investments in safe drinking water, improved sanitation infrastructure, hand washing facilities, and public education can dramatically reduce these illnesses.

Mosquito-borne diseases have become increasingly common due to changing environmental conditions, rapid urbanization, and inadequate vector control measures. Dengue outbreaks occur almost every year, while chikungunya has emerged as an additional threat. Government authorities often intensify mosquito control campaigns only after outbreaks become widespread. However, prevention requires year-round efforts. Regular insecticidal spraying, elimination of stagnant water, proper waste management, improved drainage systems, and community participation are essential to reducing mosquito breeding sites.

The role of individuals cannot be overlooked. Many people neglect preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness, using mosquito repellents, covering water storage containers, washing hands regularly, and seeking medical advice promptly. At the same time, self-medication has become increasingly common. Medicines are often used based on recommendations from friends, relatives, or social media rather than qualified healthcare professionals. Such irrational practices can lead to treatment failure, adverse drug reactions, antimicrobial resistance, and increased healthcare costs.

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the greatest threats to global health. The unnecessary use of antibiotics for viral infections, incomplete treatment courses, and over-the-counter access to prescription medicines have accelerated the development of resistant microorganisms. If immediate action is not taken, common infections may become difficult or impossible to treat in the future. Rational use of medicines, stronger regulatory oversight, and public education are crucial to preserving the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.

Prevention is equally important for non-communicable diseases. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, and certain cancers are increasing rapidly in Pakistan. These conditions place a significant financial burden on families and the healthcare system. Yet, many cases can be prevented through healthier lifestyles. Balanced diets, regular physical activity, tobacco cessation, reduced salt and sugar intake, stress management, routine screening, and periodic health check-ups can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

The government has a fundamental responsibility to create an environment that supports disease prevention. Strong disease surveillance systems, uninterrupted supplies of essential medicines and vaccines, well-equipped laboratories, trained healthcare workers, and accessible primary healthcare services must become national priorities. Health education campaigns should be conducted throughout the year rather than only during emergencies. Schools should incorporate health awareness into their curricula, while community leaders and the media should actively promote preventive behaviors.

Citizens also have a responsibility to protect themselves and their communities. Personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, responsible medicine use, timely vaccination, and respect for public health guidelines should become routine practices. Communities must recognize that prevention is not solely the government’s responsibility; it requires collective action and sustained commitment from every individual.

Pakistan cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle of reacting to health crises after they escalate. The economic costs of outbreaks, loss of productivity, pressure on healthcare facilities, and human suffering far exceed the investments required for prevention. Every rupee spent on preventive healthcare saves many more that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.

A culture of prevention is not built overnight, but it begins with changing attitudes and priorities. By investing in awareness, sanitation, vaccination, early screening, healthy lifestyles, and rational use of medicines, Pakistan can strengthen its healthcare system and protect its people from avoidable diseases.

The message is simple yet powerful: prevention saves lives. It is less costly, more effective, and more humane than cure. If both the government and citizens fulfil their responsibilities throughout the year, Pakistan can build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for generations to come.

Read: The Sanitation Crises in Sindh

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

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Hammad Ahmed and Ayesha Sohail

Food safety has become one of the most critical global public health challenges of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food causes approximately 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year, leading to nearly 420,000 deaths worldwide. World Food Safety Day, observed on 7 June, highlights the urgent need for collective action to ensure safe, nutritious, and uncontaminated food for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the “Five Keys to Safer Food”: keep clean, separate raw and cooked foods, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials. WHO stresses that food safety is not only a health issue but also a development issue affecting economies, trade, and food security.

The FAO highlights that food safety is essential for achieving Zero Hunger (SDG-2). It states that unsafe food threatens food security by reducing availability and consumer trust. FAO promotes improved agricultural practices, safe handling of raw materials, and stronger food supply chain monitoring systems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focus on strict regulatory frameworks to ensure food safety from production to consumption. FDA emphasizes Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, while USDA regulates meat, poultry, and processed food safety standards. Their guidelines strongly support prevention of contamination rather than reaction after outbreaks.

Leading academic institutions also contribute significantly to food safety research:

• Harvard University highlights the link between food safety, microbiology, and chronic disease prevention. Harvard research shows that contaminated food is a major source of bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli.
• University of Oxford focuses on global food systems, climate change impacts on food safety, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a growing global threat linked to food production systems.

Across international organizations, a clear consensus exists:

• Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers, and consumers.
• Prevention is more effective than treatment of foodborne diseases.
• Strong surveillance systems and laboratory testing are essential.
• Education and awareness play a key role in reducing risks.

Other important organizations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission (WHO/FAO), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reinforce the importance of standardized global food safety regulations.

Food safety is not optional—it is a fundamental human right. As global food systems become more complex, the risk of contamination increases. However, with the combined efforts of international organizations like WHO, FAO, FDA, USDA, and leading universities such as Harvard and Oxford, a safer global food system is achievable.

Public awareness, scientific research, and strict regulatory enforcement together can ensure a healthier future.

Read: Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere

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Hammad Ahmed and Ayesha Sohail are students of BS Food Science & Technology at Hamdard University Karachi. Their academic interests include food safety, quality assurance, food processing, and public health awareness.

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By Parkash Meghwar and Prof. Dr. Saghir Ahmed Sheikh

Every day, millions of people trust that the food they eat will nourish rather than harm them. Yet unsafe food remains one of the most overlooked public health challenges worldwide. As the world marked World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2026, the theme “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere” reminds us that food safety is not merely a technical issue; it is essential for public health, economic growth, and national development.

According to recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food causes approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths globally each year. These figures highlight a burden that is both substantial and largely preventable. Behind every statistic is a child missing school, a worker unable to earn a living, or a family facing unexpected healthcare expenses.

For Pakistan, the challenge is particularly significant. Evidence presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that foodborne illnesses affect one in five Pakistanis annually, resulting in an estimated US$1.7 billion in productivity losses each year. Food contamination, adulteration, poor hygiene practices, unsafe water, and inadequate storage conditions continue to threaten both public health and consumer confidence.

Food can become unsafe at any point along the food chain. Harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and naturally occurring toxins may contaminate food during production, processing, transportation, storage, or preparation. In many cases, consumers cannot detect these hazards by appearance, smell, or taste alone.

The good news is that most foodborne diseases can be prevented. Effective solutions already exist. Farmers can adopt Good Agricultural Practices to minimize contamination at the source. Food businesses can implement internationally recognized systems such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and ISO 22000 to manage food safety risks systematically. Markets and food vendors can improve hygiene, sanitation, and temperature control to protect consumers.

At the household level, simple actions make a significant difference. Following WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food—keeping clean, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking thoroughly, storing food safely, and using safe water and ingredients—can substantially reduce the risk of illness.

Encouragingly, Pakistan has recently launched a comprehensive assessment of its national food control system with technical support from FAO and other partners. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to strengthening food safety governance, improving regulatory coordination, and aligning national standards with international best practices.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Governments, researchers, food businesses, farmers, retailers, and consumers all have a role to play. Safe food protects health, strengthens economies, supports trade, and contributes to food security.

As we observe World Food Safety Day 2026, let us move beyond recognizing the burden of foodborne diseases and focus on practical solutions. Every safe meal begins with responsible actions across the food chain. By working together and relying on science-based approaches, we can ensure that safe food is available to everyone, everywhere.

Safe food is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right.

Read: Gender Food Discrimination in Pakistan

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Parkash Meghwar and Prof. Dr. Saghir Ahmed Sheikh – Department of Applied Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi

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Karachi- Speakers at a seminar on Friday discussed an escalating nutrition crisis in the country and presented recommendations to cope with the lurking challenges ahead of the federal budget.

The discussion revealed  that 40% of children under five in Pakistan suffer from stunting, while 18% of children are wasted, in addition to more than half of women and children affected by anemia.

Billed “nutrition crisis — challenges and pathways to reform” was organized by the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS), in collaboration with the Karachi Press Club (KPC), bringing together experts in nutrition, public health, and fiscal governance to discuss sustainable reforms and policy integration.

Dr. Asim Bashir Khan, a health economist and public finance expert highlighted major gaps in nutrition financing and accountability, emphasizing that Pakistan’s nutrition investments remain below recommended levels and are often not linked to measurable outcomes.

He called for a shift from incremental to performance-based budgeting, stronger monitoring and evaluation systems, greater transparency in public spending, and clear accountability mechanisms to ensure nutrition policies translate into meaningful improvements in population health.

Professor Dr. Abdul Basit, director of Indus Hospital’s diabetes and endocrinology department, noted that obesity is rapidly becoming a major driver of diabetes in Pakistan, yet current prevention efforts targeting adults aged 30-40 start too late since risk factors are already established by school age, with over 10 million children overweight or obese.

“Risk begins before birth, as maternal health, low breastfeeding rates, and both underweight and overweight newborns all influence future obesity and diabetes risk,” he maintained, calling for adoption of a comprehensive prevention strategy that spans pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood.

Fayza Khan, President PNDS, in her opening remarks, stated that nutrition must be recognized as a cornerstone of the country’s health system.

“We need to integrate nutritionists into primary healthcare, appoint dietitians in hospitals and research institutions, and empower them in policymaking,” she said, adding that the PNDS will continue to advocate for multisectoral nutrition financing, inclusion of experts, and establishment of nutrition positions in research and policy.

Despite strong evidence, nutrition remains neglected in the federal budget, with up to 75% financing gaps at provincial levels, costing Pakistan nearly USD 17 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and human capital losses.

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Read: Marginalized Children Face Health Risks

The post Child Stunting, Maternal Anemia Grip Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.