By: Aziz Khatri
Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated Pakistan’s first-ever hemophilia ward dedicated to women at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where modern facilities have been arranged for the treatment and care of female patients.
Separate rooms and beds have been allocated for hemophilia patients in this ward to ensure privacy and comfort for women during treatment. Hemophilia specialist doctors and trained nurses will be available around the clock, while clotting factor medicines and other modern facilities will also be provided. During treatment, special awareness sessions will be arranged for admitted patients and their caregivers to help prevent complications and manage the disease effectively.
He said hemophilia does not only affect men but can also affect women; therefore, the establishment of this ward is a significant and positive step. In case of an emergency, immediate treatment facilities will also be available, enabling timely and free access to modern medical care for female hemophilia patients. He added that this ward is a ray of hope for the public, as expensive treatment for hemophilia has now become accessible to ordinary citizens.
Mayor Karachi thanked the Pakistan Hemophilia Society, especially Azmatullah Lund, for partnering with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) under a public-private partnership for this noble cause. He said hemophilia treatment costs hundreds of thousands of rupees, which is beyond the reach of a common man. People often resort to traditional remedies, which do not resolve the issue, whereas this ward provides not only quality treatment but also proper awareness to patients.
He said that six months ago, officials of the Pakistan Hemophilia Society approached KMC with a proposal to establish hemophilia wards in KMC hospitals. KMC provided the space, while all treatment facilities were made available to the public free of charge. Earlier, a male ward was also established from which thousands of patients have benefited, and now a separate ward for women has been set up.
Mayor Karachi said hemophilia patients come not only from District Central but also from different parts of the city, including Lyari, Aram Bagh, Scheme 33, Banaras, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Malir, as well as from interior Sindh cities like Larkana and Hyderabad. Facilities that cost hundreds of thousands to millions of rupees in private hospitals are now being provided free of cost at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
On this occasion, the Mayor met with patients and their families to hear their feedback. They expressed satisfaction with the treatment and said they were receiving quality healthcare with dignity and comfort.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab added that, along with the women’s hemophilia ward, further facilities are being introduced at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital so that citizens can access comprehensive free healthcare under one roof. He announced that expensive hemophilia lab tests will now also be conducted free of cost at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, ensuring a one-window operation without the need for patients to rely on private laboratories.
He further announced the establishment of a new gynecology ward at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital to provide dedicated care for women. “We want our mothers and sisters to receive medical care without any difficulty or discomfort,” he said. These services will not remain limited to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital but will gradually be extended to all KMC hospitals across the districts so that citizens can access these facilities in their nearest hospitals.
Mayor Karachi said doctors also suggested that premarital hemophilia testing should be made mandatory for boys and girls so that the disease can be detected early and future complications avoided. He assured that work on this legislation would be expedited, while media’s role was crucial for creating awareness. “If someone is affected, timely testing and treatment are essential; otherwise, they may face severe difficulties later in life,” he added.
He further said that doctors and paramedical staff are like angels for patients, and their fundamental responsibility is to provide treatment and care. “We will not allow anyone to spoil the hospital environment. I strongly oppose flags, banners, and posters being placed inside hospitals. Those who work will remain, and those who don’t will face legal action,” he asserted.
Answering another media question, he assured doctors that all their legitimate dues would be resolved, but reminded them that KMC employees have a responsibility to serve the city. Criticizing certain elements, he called them hypocrites who mislead people, adding that the citizens are aware of the truth.
Speaking about encroachments, he said that over 7,000 shops and illegal structures have been built on the nullah at Seven Thousand Road. When action is taken, stay orders are obtained from courts. “The destruction at Sindhi Hotel is blamed on the administration, while the Town Chairman and the Mayor are simply performing their duties. Administrative matters should be left to the administration,” he stressed.
On development projects, Mayor Karachi said funds for the rehabilitation of 106 roads are available, tenders have been issued, and construction has already begun after the rains. Billions of rupees have been allocated for Model Colony, New Karachi, and North Nazimabad, specifically for road rehabilitation. “If any contractor fails to build quality roads, they will be blacklisted. Engineers certifying substandard work will also face disciplinary action. Anyone involved in wrongdoing will be dealt with strictly,” he warned.
Regarding the Hub Canal, Mayor Karachi said work on the old canal is progressing rapidly and will be completed by December 31. The recent rains damaged a 20-meter portion of the new Hub Canal, which has now been repaired.
.gif)
0 Comments
Please do not post any spam links in the comments box.