Aga Khan University set to expand

Any Institutional activities in the world
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kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Youngsters From Orphan
Homes In For A Treat

gift packs for children at the Aga
Khan University Hospital, Nairobi


Coastweek -- TREAT. Elizabeth Mutindi [left] and Bancy Wanjiru [second right], from Heritage of Faith and Hope Children Rehabilitation Centre, were all smiles when they received gift packs from Betty Maina [second left], the Chief Executive of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Ferial Nathoo [right], the Patient Welfare Coordinator of Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, during a treat at the Hospital for youngsters from six orphan homes.

http://www.coastweek.com/3354-22.htm
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Global trends in health systems: Can we reach MDG 4 & 5?
Guest Lecture
When Monday, January 24, 2011; 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Where Auditorium, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Details Speaker: Hans Rosling, Professor of Global Health, Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Organisers Department of Continuing Professional Development in collaboration with Department of Community Health Sciences
Contact Conference Secretariat
Email: conf.sect@aku.edu
Tel: +92 21 3486 4584
Fax: +92 21 3486 4294

http://aku.edu/OnlineEvents/EventsDetail.aspx?ID=429

If you have not seen his YouTube video yet, click on the photograph below to watch at the source.

Professor Hans Rosling, Joy of Stats fame, will be at the Aga Khan University Karachi on January 24

http://www.gapminder.org/videos/200-yea ... world-bbc/
Hans Rosling@HansRoslin
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Post by kmaherali »

AKU Feb 2011 Convocations

Uganda 2011 - Feb 5
http://www.aku.edu/university/convocati ... ndex.shtml

Tanzania 2011 - Feb 9
http://aku.edu/university/convocation20 ... ndex.shtml

UK 2011 - Feb 12
http://www.aku.edu/university/convocati ... ndex.shtml

*****


http://www.aku.edu/OnlineEvents/EventsD ... spx?ID=442

International Summer Programme (18-29 July 2011, London)
Expressions of Diversity: A Contemporary Introduction to Muslim Cultures

When July 18-29, 2011
Where AKU-ISMC, Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, London, UK

Details Thissummer, immerse yourself in the various facets of the history, cultureand contemporary challenges of Muslims by joining our unique programme.In the first week, we will cover topics including the Qur'an, the lifeof the Prophet, the formation of the Muslim community, civil society,law, gender and literature. The second week will focus on `localexpressions' of being Muslim by exploring the different ways in whichpeople interpret and practise Islamic ideas in a variety of contexts.Don't miss out on this exciting two-week programme that will combineclassroom discussions with cultural activities, offering a trulymulticultural experience in London. For more details, please visitwww.aku.edu/ismc/shortcourses


Organisers AKU-ISMC

Contact ismc.shortcourses@aku.edu
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Post by kmaherali »

New State Of The Art Ophthalmology Referral Centre

launched by Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Coastweek-- His Excellency David B. Collins, the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya has cut a ribbon to officially launch the new Ophthalmology Referral Centre at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N).

He was accompanied by Mr. Aziz Bhaloo, AKDN country representative, Mr. Firoz Rasul, President, Aga Khan University, Ms. Asmita Gillani, the Chief Executive Officer, AKUH, N and senior hospital staff, faculty and guests.

The Ophthalmology Referral Centre will focus on specialized tertiary referral eye care services, including eye care research and innovation as well as provide training for health care professionals in ophthalmology.

Comprehensive eye clinic services ranging from routine eye exams, management of common eye diseases and trauma and also complex surgical procedures will be available.

His Excellency David B. Collins praised the partnership between Kenya and sponsors in Canada who paid for the purchase of the state of the art ophthalmology equipment that will be used at the referral centre.

He thanked the Eye Professional Community in Canada for donating $250,000 Canadian dollars for the refurbishment of the clinic space and for the purchase of the equipment.

The High Commissioner went on to say “Initiatives do not just happen.

They take commitment, hard work and diligence and we are seeing the results of this partnership in the professionals who have received training in the exchange programmes including Dr. Dan Kiage a Glaucoma Specialist who is also the Head of Ophthalmology at AKUH,N and Chairman of the Ophthalmological Society of Eastern Africa.”

In his speech, Dr. Dan Kiage revealed shocking statistics about the prevalence of eye disease in Kenya, saying, “About 250, 000 Kenyans are blind and another 700, 000 suffer reduced vision.”

“Over 80 per cent of the blindness is either treatable or preventable. It is therefore not acceptable to have such a high number of blind people among us.”

“One of the main challenges to tackling blindness in Africa is the very low number of eye care specialists.

"Currently we have one ophthalmologist for every 500, 000 people In Kenya.

"Therefore, AKUH is committed to training more ophthalmologists in an effort to provide increased access to care for Kenyans.

Dr. Kiage explained that the leading causes of blindness in Kenya were cataracts, glaucoma, trachoma and refractive errors. Out of these, he said dense cataracts, trachoma and other tropical disease infections are associated with low income.

Other complications like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy previously thought to be only common in developed countries are now on the rise in Kenya.

The newly launched Ophthalmology Referral Centre has all the necessary equipment for the specialist eye examinations and surgery.

These include Yag and Acon state of the art laser machines which will be used to treat and manage eye diseases such as cataract, closed angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The procedures are painless and only take a few minutes to perform as an outpatient.

The facility is situated on the 5th floor of the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Doctors Plaza and is open from 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and at 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays.


SAGALA LODGE - TSAVO

Click here to visit website

It is manned by highly trained and experienced ophthalmology professionals who will provide excellent clinical care to patients.

http://www.coastweek.com/3407-13.htm
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Post by kmaherali »

World Kidney Day at AKU on March 10

KARACHI: The Aga Khan University (AKU) will mark the World Kidney Day on March 10. An official of the AKU said here on Friday that the theme would be ‘Protect your kidney and save your heart’. The speakers will cover topics which include chronic kidney disease, how to keep your kidneys and heart healthy, and will highlight the lifestyle and practices required to prevent kidney and heart problems. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 011_pg12_9
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Post by kmaherali »

AKU organizes Second National Vaccine Seminar

Speakers lament administrative flaws hindering immunization coverage

KARACHI, Apr. 23 (APP): Child specialists of the country, on Saturday, attributed stagnation in the childhood immunization coverage to administrative and managerial flaws coupled with poor accountability.They were addressing the participants of the Second National Vaccine Seminar, organized by Aga Khan University in collaboration with Trust for Vaccines and Immunization (TVI), USAID and Rotary International.

Senior pediatricians including Dr. Abdul Gaffar Billoo, Prof. Zulfiqar Bhutta, Dr. Tariq Iqbal Bhutta in their respective presentations lamented that despite passage of 30 years the childhood immunization coverage rate against EPI covered diseases ranged between 47% to 57%.
Polio was cited to be an exception with 90% coverage owing to global pressures.

It was mentioned that Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1978 with the target to eradicate six vaccine preventable diseases and initial success of small pox eradication had enhanced expectations of similar fate for other ailments.

Despite the fact that over the years new ailments were included in the EPI, they opined that the success of small pox eradication diverted the attention required towards strengthening routine immunization.

“This consequently led to marked decline in the immunization coverage of our kids,” commented one of the speakers.

Official statistics show that bulk of our childhood deaths occur in first year (54%) while 450,000 of children below five also fail to survive due to different infections and disorders.

“Universal immunization coverage of these 450,000 kids could protect them against vaccine preventable deaths and disabilities,” said a speaker.
Prof. Zulfiqar Bhutta highlighted relevance of women education,elimination of poverty and realistic approach coupled with strong will to address rampant inequalities within urban areas as well as between rural urban sectors for improved vaccination coverage.
The speakers regretted that despite maximum focus towards polio eradication, reflected through improved vaccination coverage rate (90%), the country has registered 32 cases of polio during the current year.
This was said to be in a scenario where other endemic countries including Afghanistan, India and Nigeria had reported seven cases till March 31, this year.
Dr. Altaf Bosan, National Manager for EPI on the occasion discussed in detail the resources involved to protect the children and women of the country.
He mentioned that 90% of the expenses were provided by the donors and the remaining by the government.
He identified poor utilization and low demand for the services,inadequate accessibility, limited capacity of the healthcare providers as some the challenges for EPI.
The two day seminar is an attempt to unite medical community,civil society representatives, policy makers and all relevant stake-holders to help the hapless section compelled to suffer despite all chances for a healthy existence.

http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option= ... 9&Itemid=2
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Post by kmaherali »

Rotary and Aga Khan University announce strategic partnership
By Arnold R. Grahl



Aga Khan University's Advanced Nursing Studies programmes ensure that nurses and midwives are able to advance their skills and knowledge as well as their career opportunities. Photo by Jean-Luc Ray
Rotary International on Facebook

The Rotary Foundation Trustees have reached an agreement with Aga Khan University to form a strategic partnership under the Foundation's Future Vision Plan.

The private, nonsectarian university promotes human welfare and development through research, teaching, and community service. It is the second strategic partner under the Future Vision Plan. In mid-April, the Trustees reached an agreement with Oikocredit, a Netherlands-based cooperative financial institution that supports socially responsible investing.

More...
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/N ... akhan.aspx
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Nursing students take oath to serve humanity

By Haris Hanif

KARACHI: Holding lighting candles in their hands, some 112 nursing students of second year of the Diploma in Nursing and BSc Nursing programmes took oath at the 30th Lamp Lighting Ceremony, 2011 at Aga Khan University (AKU) School of Nursing here on Friday.

Each student pledged, “In full knowledge of the obligations, I am undertaking I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess without regard to race, creed, colour, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and to promote health.”

The lamp symbolises a promise to uphold the values of the nursing profession and to follow the path set by nursing pioneers, Rufayda Al Aslamiya, the first Muslim nurse, and Florence Nightingale.

AKU’s spokesperson while talking to Daily Times said the community-oriented values and high quality of education at the school had been pivotal in changing public perceptions towards the nursing profession and its role in healthcare, as well as enhancing its status on a national and regional level. In 2010, nearly 100 nursing students of second-year took the same oath to serve humanity.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 011_pg12_2
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Aga Khan University: A Beacon of Leadership and Learning in the Developing World

I just returned from a visit to Karachi, Pakistan for follow up work with the very extraordinary Aga Khan University. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed working with a fascinating group of exceptionally energetic and determined leaders providing vital services in tough circumstances. To read about my first trip when my work with AKU started, go to my May 2010 blog post Into Africa: An Eye-Opening and Inspiring Trip.

Aga Khan UniversityAga Khan University runs two medical teaching hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya. They also have teaching sites and healthcare services on three continents. AKU is focused on molding leaders of the future within the developing world. Part of the strategic work we’re helping them with is centered around building an integrated health system, developing a comprehensive university (they’re building new Faculties of Arts and Science in Pakistan and Tanzania), improving teaching, learning and assessment methods, research and development of solutions to key healthcare and education problems facing the developing world, and strengthening their funding and long-term financial sustainability.

For a shot of inspiration I highly recommend you view a 12 minute video on their web site. Click on Aga Khan University and then the video screen on the right entitled “The Difference We Make.” You’ll see shots of their beautiful campuses and hospitals as well as inspiring stories like the Kenyan nursing graduate who persevered through her studies (often by candle light) while raising seven orphaned nieces and nephews in Nairobi’s notorious slums. Or you can learn of efforts to rebuild Afghanistan’s war-torn healthcare system. In the videos, university, medical and foundation leaders (like one from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) call Aga Khan University a world class leader.

More...

http://www.jimclemmer.com/blog/2011/06/ ... g-world-5/
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Saving lives: Talk with Zulfiqar A. Bhutta of Aga Khan University on Research and Research Synthesis in Community Child Health

Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Chair of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Aga Khan University, Pakistan talks about community child health evidence-based approaches in developing countries, and gives advice to aspiring health professionals interested in this area.

http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2011/0 ... ilimail%29
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East Africa: Too Many Universities, Courses And Students But Not Enough Education

The Role of AKU


Excerpt:

"Still, according to Prof Chris Nwamuo, a senior programme officer at the Association of African Universities, the drastic cuts in the public funding of universities and the attendant decline, neglect and poor quality which have characterised them over the years, can only be countered by private universities which will provide education to the great number of learners in a knowledge-driven and knowledge-dependent world. He writes that "in many parts of the world, private universities are known to be innovative, to seek alternative financing strategies, to develop effective management structures and to introduce demand-driven courses."

One such university is the Aga Khan University, which provides post-graduate training of health service professionals, teachers and managers of schools, and the development of research scholars. It was granted its charter in 1983 as Pakistan's first private, autonomous university. The university has campuses and programmes in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania offering post graduate medical studies and advanced nurses training. It also boasts an Institute of Educational Development located in Dar es Salaam and plans to introduce a new Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Arusha as well as a Faculty of Health Sciences in Nairobi, where it already runs a university hospital."

http://allafrica.com/stories/201107181368.html
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‘First eight years crucial for child development’
Published: August 2, 2011


ABBOTABAD:

To increase awareness, strengthening linkages and advocacy regarding the concept of Early Childhood Development (ECD) among the stakeholders, the Sungi Development Foundation, here on Saturday, arranged a district level conference.

Secretary Education K-P Fareed Qureshi, District Coordination Officer Abbottabad Zaheerul Islam, officials of education, health department, representatives of Agha Khan University and civil society organisations working on child issues were among those who attended.

The speakers discussed the effectiveness of ECD practices and future methodologies for achieving set goals.

Zulfiqar Bachani of Aga Khan University gave scientific views of how and why early childhood development is extremely significant.

Discussing this crucial phase, Bachani said that the first eight of life are very important in terms of their mental development and needs extraordinary care.

Project Manager Shazia Naureen shared the achievements and progress of the ECD project, adding that “Releasing Confidence and Creativity – an Early Childhood Development (RCC-ECD)” is aimed at raising awareness on early childhood development, maternal care, capacity building of teachers, and advocacy. She said that Sungi, in cooperation with Aga Khan Foundation has implemented this project in 60 schools in Haripur and Abbottabad for the last 15 months.

K-P Education Secretary Farid Qureshi praised Sungi and Aga Khan Foundation and asked them to work to expand the outreach of the project to more areas of the province so that the communities in those areas could also benefit and achieve better results. He said parents and teachers were key duty holders who could play an important role in early childhood development. He emphasised on legislation and more work on health and education in the province.

Children from Gali Banian Girl’s Primary School also presented a role play on early childhood development and received applause from the participants. Seven teachers were also given prize for their performance in the ECD.

Improving child health

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2011 is “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding – A 3D Experience.” The “3D” refers to the many dimensions of our lives and the centrality of communication to our personal experiences. During the week, the United Nations Children’s Fund is “calling for the benefits of breastfeeding to be broadcast beyond clinics and delivery rooms to the public at large.”

After the devolution of Ministry of Health hopes lie with the provincial governments’ need to adopt protection of breastfeeding laws and form the Infant Feeding Boards apace, for the stricter and strengthened enforcement mechanism, Nadeem Iqbal, Executive Coordinator The Network for Consumer Protection said.

According to Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, the situation is dismissal as the exclusive breastfeeding is low as 37 per cent while bottle feeding is 27 per cent which contributes to higher infant mortality rate. NEWS DESK

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2011.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/222263/firs ... velopment/

*****

Move to upgrade nursing skills in EA
Sunday, 31 July 2011 22:16
digg

By East African News Agency
Arusha.The Rotary International Foundation and the Aga Khan University (AKU), have entered into a partnership to improve the maternal and child health in East Africa.

Under the partnership, the Rotary Foundation, a charitable arm of Rotary International, will provide grants to Rotary clubs to establish volunteer teams to support the professional development of the nursing faculty at AKU’s East Africa campuses in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“Rotary clubs in East Africa are eager to partner with top-notch professionals at the Aga Khan University to help ensure that mothers and infants receive the best health care possible,” said Mr Samuel Owori, a member of the Rotary International board of directors.

“This partnership represents a big contribution to the health and well-being of families throughout the region."
The teams will work with local Rotary clubs and AKU on community service projects linking classroom lessons to existing clinics and healthcare programmes.

Rotary grants will also fund nursing and midwifery scholarships for students admitted to AKU’s advanced nursing studies programme. Scholarship recipients will also benefit from monitoring through the programme by local Rotary clubs.
The Aga Khan University’s advanced nursing programme was established in response to requests by East African governments to help upgrade nursing skills and build healthcare human resource capacity in the region.

Through continuing education programmes, graduates will be able to work in their communities to provide better quality healthcare services as well as lead policy development at the national level. The result would be better-qualified regional healthcare professionals.

The chairperson of Rotary Foundation, Mr Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, said the partnership was "an important step toward meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for maternal and child health.” The MDGs call for a 75 per cent reduction of maternal deaths - and a two-thirds reduction in the infant death rate by 2015.

According to the UN, developing countries accounted for 99 per cent of the more than 350,000 women who die each year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. In sub-Saharan Africa, women’s risk of maternal death is 1 in 30, compared to 1 in 5,600 in developed countries.

http://thecitizen.co.tz/news/55-east-af ... in-ea.html
Last edited by kmaherali on Wed Aug 03, 2011 7:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by kmaherali »

Free Medical Camp Aga Khan
University Hospital, Nairobi


Over 2,000 people were offered medical, surgical,
dental, obstetrics and gynaecology services

http://www.coastweek.com/3431_25.htm

*****
Aga Khan hospital opens heart unit

WILLIAM OERI | NATION. The Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Ms Asmita Gillani chats with Gender Permanent Secretary Dr James Nyikal during celebrations to mark the World Heart Day in Nairobi, September 26,2010. Patients recovering from heart diseases and surgeries can now do so at a Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit which has been opened by Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE | NATION

By NATION REPORTER
Posted Thursday, August 4 2011 at 18:02

Patients recovering from heart diseases and surgeries can now do so at a Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit which has been opened by Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

Related Stories

Serena Hotel gears up for Sh4bn upgrade as it unveils new camp

This is on the ground floor of the hospital’s Doctors Plaza and is equipped with computerised treadmills, recumbent bikes, and arm and leg ergometers controlled by software designed for cardiac rehabilitation.

Michael Maina, a cardiac rehabilitation therapist at hospital, says the unit is also beneficial for patients suffering from hypertension, angina, diabetes and high cholesterol.

http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/A ... /jo8kpw/-/
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Aga Khan builds $450m University complex in Arusha

Post by Admin »

http://www.busiweek.com/11/opportunitie ... -in-arusha

East Africa Business Week

Aga Khan builds $450m University complex in Arusha
Monday, 15 August 2011 14:04 David Muwanga

ARUSHA, TANZANIA- The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is constructing a University complex in Arusha that is estimated to cost a total of $450.The announcement was made by the Aga Khan who paid a courtesy call on the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera recently in Arusha, Tanzania.
The complex to be developed over the next 15 years is among several education and health projects undertaken within East Africa under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).A statement issued by the East African Community secretariat said that in developing the multiple campuses and new programmes in Arusha and Nairobi, Aga Khan Develop0ment Network will invest over $700m in the region over the next 15 years, providing direct employment to 4,000 people.
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Vitamin A supplements for infants could save thousands of lives a year

26 Aug 11
Bottle with Vitamin A tables
Vitamin A supplements have benefits for those deficient in vitamins found in foods like sweet potato, eggs and dairy products

An international study suggests that giving vitamin A supplements to children in low and middle income countries could significantly cut rates of mortality, illnesses and blindness amongst those below the age of five.

Researchers from the University of Oxford and Pakistan's Aga Khan University have shown that vitamin A supplements reduce mortality amongst children from low and middle income countries by nearly a quarter (24 per cent). According to the study, published in the online version of the British Medical Journal, the supplements were found to bring particular benefits in reducing rates of diarrhoea and measles.

The researchers from the University of Oxford's Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention and Pakistan's Aga Khan University Hospital are now calling for vitamin A supplements to be given to all children who are at risk of not getting enough of the vitamin in their diet. They believe the benefits are so clear cut that trials comparing vitamin A to placebo are no longer ethical.

The findings are based on 43 trials in which some children received vitamin A while others received no intervention or a placebo. The sample included 215,633 apparently healthy children aged 6 months to 5 years in 19 countries, mostly in Asia. On average, the children were 2.5 years old when they were recruited for the trials and followed for about one year.

Lead author Dr Evan Mayo-Wilson, from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford, said: 'Our study shows that, until other sources are available, supplements should be given to all children who are at risk of vitamin A deficiency. After just one year children who had taken supplements were less likely to have died than children who received a placebo.

'We estimate that by providing supplements to all children in countries where they are at risk we could save up to 600,000 lives a year and prevent millions of serious infections. Vitamin A supplements are highly effective and cheap to produce and administer.

'Our study also shows that systematic literature reviews are cost-effective and ethically imperative. Recent editorials criticising vitamin A programmes have received international attention, but the evidence taken as a whole leaves little doubt that vitamin A prevents early childhood mortality.'

The largest clinical trial ever conducted ran from 1999 to 2004 and assigned about 1,000,000 children to receive vitamin A or placebo. Since that trial began, only one relatively small trial has examined vitamin A for childhood mortality.

'Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, the Chair of the Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan, and the senior corresponding author of the study, said: 'This study underlines the need to shift the focus of attention towards an effective scale up of vitamin A supplementation programmes. We must ensure that the benefits are sustained with effective oversight by national programmes.'

Vitamin A is required for normal functioning of the visual and immune systems. It is an essential nutrient that cannot be synthesized by the human body, so it must be obtained through diet. Deficiency increases vulnerability to a range of infections including diarrhoea, measles, malaria and respiratory infections, which are the leading causes of childhood mortality.

According to recent estimates by the World Health Organisation, 190 million under-fives don't get enough vitamin A to stay healthy. Vitamin A is found in plants, such as the orange-fleshed sweet potato, eggs and dairy products. A high intake of synthetic vitamin A over a long period may lead to short-term side effects including vomiting, but side effects are rare, and taking supplements of vitamin A over relatively short periods (e.g. once every six months) should not cause serious adverse effects, says the study.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/110826.html
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Aga Khan Hospital set for first video link surgery

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http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corp ... /17b935/-/

Business daily

Thursday
September 8, 2011

Surgeons at work. Aga khan Hospital surgeons will on Thursday use Video Conference Surgery (VCS) technology to operate on patients under the guidance of specialists sitting in India, saving on costs associated with quality treatment abroad such as air tickets and accommodation. Liz Muthoni (Nairobi)

By Mugambi Mutegi (email the author)

Posted Wednesday, September 7 2011 at 20:35

The first surgery enabled by remote video technology in Kenya will be performed on Thursday at the Aga Khan University Hospital.

The Nairobi-based surgeons will use Video Conference Surgery (VCS) technology to operate on patients under the guidance of specialists sitting in India, saving on costs associated with quality treatment abroad such as air tickets and accommodation. (READ: Pain of treatment deepens with rise in medical fees )

Doctors said the technology could significantly reduce the cost of specialised treatment and enhance Kenya’s status as a medical tourism destination.

“This mode of treatment is being used in many developed countries since it obviates the need for doctors traversing continents to offer treatment,” said Jose Banda, the executive director of the Kenya Kidney and Lupus Foundation.

VCS allows surgeons to oversee operations either through controlling robotic machines or by teleconference liaison with supervising doctors in the operating room.

Internet provider Access Kenya and Asterisk and Sight & Sound will be providing the broadband service.

VCS procedures are highly dependent on a reliable and high capacity bandwidth because precision is key to the success of any operation. Besides giving patients access to faster treatment, the technology will help claw back on revenue that was previously going abroad.

“Furthermore patients can access up-to-date treatment from particular specialists lacking in their country and therefore enjoy better recuperation without the hassles of boarding aeroplanes,” Mrs Banda.

The number of patients seeking surgery in India, for instance, is expected to reach 50,000 this year compared to half that number last year.

Some of the most common ailments that have for years precipitated an exodus of patients to Asia and Europe include neurological disorders, brain surgery, open heart surgeries and orthopedic-related ailments.

Recent data indicates that Kenya requires 24,000 doctors but only has 7,000, with 3,000 of them working in public hospitals and 4,000 in private ones. Brain drain has taken another 1,000 to greener pastures abroad.

The capacity gap to meet the demand for services has seen many seek treatment abroad, their choice dictated by waiting lists, some of which stretch several months before surgery can be performed.

“We have for years referred our patients to other countries for critical operations because the doctors there have been practising the procedures for much longer than our own,” said Mr Peter Nduati, the chief executive of Resolution Health East Africa, a medical insurer.

It is now common to get invited to fundraisers of relatives or friends collecting money to send their ailing patients abroad with the cost of the treatment running into millions of shillings.

Mr Nduati, however, cautions that the cost of having procedures done in local hospitals which embrace the technology needs to be low enough for VCS to have an impact.

“Hospitals embracing this technology should keep the charges affordable to stop the exodus especially to India where the cost is ten times less than in Kenya for some ailments,” he said.

VCS comes a month after the Aga Khan University Hospital unveiled a Sh4.25 billion heart and cancer centre meant to tap into the number of patients from Kenya and the region who travel abroad for treatment.

Top hospitals in the country have in the past four months increased their charges by up to 40 per cent leaving medical insurance providers contemplating to effect premium changes to reverse underwriting losses.

Remote provision of healthcare is gaining pace in the country with mobile providers Safaricom and Telkom Kenya said to be exploring different innovations.

Health Presence, being fronted by Safaricom, is expected to be situated at the digital villages it is currently building from where patients will consult their doctors through teleconferencing.

pmutegi@ke.nationmedia.com
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Post by kmaherali »

Medical milestone a major boost for health sector

Posted Friday, September 9 2011 at 00:00

Kenya Thursday reached a medical milestone by having the first surgery enabled via video links successfully concluded at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. Video Conference Surgery, as the innovation is known, offers limitless opportunities for procedures that Kenyans have been shopping for abroad, largely because of the high costs of the treatment locally and, in some cases, because of the waiting lines at public facilities with the capacity to perform the operations more affordably.

Besides the direct benefits to patients, there is the long term aspect of linking doctors in Kenya, with more experienced and skilled medics in countries dictating instructions to their local counterparts. These will form the next knowledge pool that Kenya can rely on for training of future doctors, hopefully helping reduce the personnel deficit that has left only 7,000 doctors serving in Kenya compared to a demand of 24,000.

VCS also promises better linkages between doctors in hospitals in remote areas and specialists in leading private and referral hospitals that would help perform delicate procedures without patients having to be transferred. Infrastructure challenges, however, limit the potential to which telemedicine can be practised in Kenya, outside the main urban centres. For one, the technology requires a dependable bandwidth in a sector where precision is, literally a matter of life and death. This calls for the government to expedite laying out of the fibre optic cables to major centres in Kenya.

The bandwidth aside, there is the need for supporting infrastructure such as electricity, which for now is not installed in remote outposts. However, it is in creating public awareness that the most arduous task lies. Some medical practitioners are already downplaying the significance of VCS possibly because it threatens potential revenue streams and for reasons of business rivalry.

Such sentiments are nevertheless likely to discourage potential users of the technology because of fears over the risks inherent in the mode of treatment. Once these challenges are addressed Kenya will be swiftly on the way to becoming a medical tourism hub in Africa.

This will have a great bearing on the country’s balance of trade and, at a human scale, alleviate the plight of thousands of families that watch helplessly as their loved one suffer for years from treatable neurological disorders, brain, heart and orthopedic ailments just because of want of financial resources

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Opin ... 1ejqo2z/-/
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AKU a channel for US aid to Pakistan

Excerpt:

"The US has also provided funding to the Agha Khan University’s mobile health unit, which is providing health care to affected communities in to Badin District."

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/09 ... survivors/
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Pharmacy Services wins Asian Honour

September 15, 2011

The Department of Pharmacy Services, Aga Khan University Hospital has won the Asian Hospital Management Awards 2011 in Singapore. The winning project was entitled: “Enhancing patient safety through innovations in the Computerised Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system”. The award was received by Abdul Latif Sheikh, Director Pharmacy, at a grand ceremony held in Singapore on September 8, 2011.

A total of 315 entries representing 84 hospitals from 11 countries were submitted of which the 35 finalists represented 24 hospitals from 9 countries.

Awards are given to those hospitals in the region that, in the opinion of the judges and advisers, have implemented or enhanced outstanding and innovative projects, programs, and best practices. The awards program recognizes and honours hospitals in Asia that carry out best hospital practices.

The Hospital Management Asia is organised in cooperation with Joint Commission International, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, International Hospital Federation and the Asian Hospital Federation, with the support of the Singapore Ministry of Health.

This achievement has been made possible by the quality and committed leadership, teamwork, effective contribution of pharmacy staff, P&T committee, I.T. and other key players of medication management i.e., nursing as well as physicians.

Media contact:

Hassaan Akhter, Media Executive, Department of Public Affairs, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, on +92 21 3486 2927 or hassaan.akhter@aku.edu

http://aku.edu/OnlineNews/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=792
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Treating over 1m flood-hit patients and still going strong…
News Comments (0)


STAFF REPORT 3 hours ago | Comments (0)
AgaMed1thumbFull

AKU gives details about its efforts to help the flood-affected population after last year’s floods and rain disaster this year

KARACHI - The Aga Khan University (AKU) has calculated that its teams have treated over one million patients in the flood-hit areas of Sindh and Balochistan since the disaster struck these areas in 2010. In a press released issued on Wednesday, AKU said that it responded to the national disaster by dispatching medical teams as soon as possible to Khairpur and Sukkur in Sindh, followed by Jaffarabad in Balochistan.
Later, the AKU sent out several teams of its volunteers, doctors and nurses, who provided urgent health services through camps, mobile units and government-run basic health units and hospitals. At the university, a range of departments supported these efforts, providing people with medical supplies, food, transport and security. Eventually, 16 districts across Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan were covered.
The AKU’s Flood Response Programme has been generously supported through a $6.2 million grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as well as a contribution of a day’s salary by the university’s faculty and staff. Besides volunteers, over 300 full-time contractual staff of the AKU has provided healthcare to the flood-affected people in these districts. Over one million people have received lifesaving health care from AKU as a result of the programme.
The flood-affected people received treatment for dehydration, diarrhoea, pneumonia, snake bites, skin infections and many other diseases associated with the floods. Nurses and doctors also provided antenatal care, assisted deliveries and administered vaccinations.
In addition to basic healthcare, the programme also includes a nutrition intervention component, treating malnourished and under-nourished children with ready-to-use therapeutic food and micronutrients, and women of reproductive age with folic acid and iron supplementation. One of the biggest strengths of the AKU’s programme has been the low cost of about $3 per patient, enabling the university to treat more people.
“The Aga Khan University is a strong example of the numerous local organisations that have worked with USAID to alleviate human suffering caused by the floods,” said USAID Mission Director Andrew Sisson. “The United States is committed to supporting the Pakistani government and people in their efforts to address Pakistan’s priority issues.”
Over the past weeks, medical care has been provided to the communities in Sindh, in Badin and Khairpur, most affected by this year’s floods, reaffirming AKU and USAID’s resolve to help those who are most affected by the disaster.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/09 ... %E2%80%A6/
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INFO SESSION - Aga Khan University (AKU) Internships (Worldwide)

Internationalize your degree and your resume with an International Internship through Aga Khan University (AKU).

- Travel and earn practical work experience in your field
- Enhance your resume
- Acquire the skills and knowledge required to succeed in your field
- Network and build industry contacts
- Gain a competitive edge in an increasingly global economy

INFO SESSION (open to all students):
Thursday, October 6, 12pm - 2pm
International Centre (172 HUB Mall)

http://www.international.ualberta.ca/go ... vent=26876
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AKU in collaboration to access the nutritional status of population

National Nutrition Survey 2011: Food insecurity affecting 60% of women and children
By Sehrish Wasif
Published: September 18, 2011

ISLAMABAD:

Around 60% of Pakistan’s total population is facing food insecurity, revealed Pakistan’s National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2011 on Saturday. The results of the survey, termed by health experts as “alarming”, indicate a significant decline in the nutritional status of the people of the country over the past decade.

This information was disclosed at the launching ceremony of NNS 2011 held here at a local hotel. The national survey, conducted by Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Nutrition Wing in collaboration with Agha Khan University (AKU), assessed the nutritional status of the population, especially women and children, while also covering morbidity and family care practices.

More...
http://tribune.com.pk/story/254714/nati ... -children/
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AKU hires top Canada educationist as new provost

STAFF REPORT Wednesday, 28 Sep 2011 1:30 am | Comments (0)

Dr Greg Moran brings over two decades of experience as member of University of Western Ontario faculty, researcher and theses supervisor

KARACHI - Dr Greg Moran has been appointed as the new provost of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the chief academic officer will play a key part in overseeing the quality of the entire university’s academic programmes. According to a statement issued by the AKU Public Affairs, Dr Moran brings over two decades of experience as faculty, researcher and theses supervisor.A member of the faculty of the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in London, Ontario, Canada since 1977, he has been a full-time professor since 1992 besides holding a number of administrative positions. These have included chair of the department of psychology, dean of graduate studies, provost, vice president (academic), and twice, he was acting president.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/09 ... w-provost/

http://communications.uwo.ca/western_ne ... ovost.html

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 11_pg12_15
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Public Lecture

Historical Consciousness and the Challenge of Historicism in Muslim Contexts

Professor Abdou Filali Ansary

Wednesday October 19th 2011, 5:30 - 7:00pm

AKU-ISMC Lecture Room 2.3, 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA

For more information please see the attachment.
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AGA KHAN University Faculty and Staff Donation
By Kenya Red Cross Society · Updated about 2 weeks ago · Taken at Kenya Red Cross Hq Nairobi

Aga Khan University Faculty and Staff Association today donated Kshs 175,100 towards Kenyans for Kenya Drought Kitty

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 1442936505
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World Sight Day observed

‘Delay in diagnosis of visual impairment leads to blindness’


By Haris Hanif

KARACHI: ‘The delay in diagnosis of visual impairment lead to blindness while 80 percent of people with cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetes-related blindness can be avoided or cured through timely diagnosis and proper treatment.’

Health experts stated this at a seminar held at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to mark the World Sight Day on Thursday.

The eye specialists said cataract remains one of the principal causes of blindness for all age groups even though they are more common in older people in developing countries.

Consultant Ophthalmologist, AKUH Dr Sharmeen Akram said, “When a person gets a cataract, the eye’s natural lens begins to cloud, leading to blurred vision, double vision or difficulty while driving at night.”

She said a simple eye examination could help diagnose the disease, which is initially treated through glasses, brighter lighting and magnifying lenses while reading. However, when these do not help, surgery can resolve the problem – a short outpatient procedure where the natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. This treatment is widely available in the country, she added.

Highlighting the paediatric eye problems, Consultant Ophthalmologist and head of Ophthalmology Section at AKUH Dr Tanveer Chaudhry explained that in children a squint might be a symptom of something more serious and should not be ignored.

He also laid emphasis on the need for premature babies to be screened promptly for eye problems. Retinopathy of prematurity is a potentially blinding eye disorder that affects premature infants, he informed.

“At AKUH, we have a referral system for the screening of such children but we need to increase awareness among all health care providers and general public so the sight of children born early can be saved,” he says.

He maintained that a recent survey of leading maternity homes and hospitals across Karachi, well equipped to save very premature children, showed a lack of awareness of ROP and its management.

Consultant Ophthalmolo-gist, AKUH Dr Rashid Baig said globally, glaucoma is another major cause of blindness. High pressure within the eye is thought to be one of the reasons for this group of diseases that lead to gradual vision loss. Sometimes, though, glaucoma may arise unexpectedly with a sudden onset of headaches, blurred vision and pain in the affected eye. He noted that although there was no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis, regular eye exams and treatment could control the progression of the disease.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 011_pg12_3

http://www.thenews.com.pk
http://tribune.com.pk
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Drive to lure EA students back home
Monday, 17 October 2011 22:32

By Success Reporter and Agencies
success@thecitizen.co.tz

The Aga Khan University, an international multi-site higher education institution, has launched a new drive to lure East Africans studying abroad back home. It hopes the opening of a new state-of-the-art campus in Arusha, northern Tanzania, will bring back to the region thousands of students from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, who fly out of East Africa in droves every year in search of better education in the US, Europe and Asia.

Aga Khan University already has three campuses in Tanzania, which specialise in teaching nursing, medicine and education, and located in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam. The new campus is set to house arts and science faculties and educate up to 3,000 students from across East Africa.

More....

http://thecitizen.co.tz/magazines/33-su ... -home.html
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New and updated website of Aga Khan University

http://www.aku.edu
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Heart beat: 7% to 20% of people do not survive a stroke
Published: October 27, 2011


KARACHI: Nearly 400 people in the country die because of strokes everyday yet people, especially those in the media do not take it seriously, said Society of Neurology Pakistan Secretary and Aga Khan University Hospital Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Wasay.

“Since there is no awareness about the symptoms, people do not bother going to the hospital immediately.”

While speaking at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, Dr Wasay said that there was a need to create awareness especially since it affected nearly 350,000 people in Pakistan. “A stroke can be prevented and can be treated with proper medication,” he said. “It is our duty to protect people from them and to create awareness so that the government can take measures against it.” He added that a stroke could easily be avoided by exercising, controlling the intake of salt and not smoking. “The ratio of strokes in men is higher as compared to women,” he said.

Dr Abdul Malik from the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre said that everyday nearly 22 per cent of patients had a stroke and only seven to 20 per cent did not survive. He added that the Pakistan Stroke Society was organising an event on World Stroke Day to educate people. They also plan to hold two free stroke camps to check cholesterol and blood pressure.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2011.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/282900/hear ... -a-stroke/

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Young minds: AKU-EB awards higher achievers all over the country
Published: October 27, 2011


KARACHI: Dressed formally in crisp school uniforms, students from different schools had gathered at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) auditorium to receive their higher achiever awards on Wednesday.

The AKU-Education Board had held its annual award ceremony for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC). Pop singer and Zindagi Trust Foundation founder Shehzad Roy was present as chief guest. The ceremony kicked off with a brief introduction about the higher achievers and the boards accomplishments. According to Roy, the young people were the leaders of tomorrow. “If we want our young people to conquer the world and contribute to society, then it is essential for us to provide them with good education,” he said. “A decade or two from now this country is going to witness a great change because our students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to use it effectively.” He added that the AKU-EB has set an example in providing high quality education in the country. They started distributing the award certificates with Roy singing one of his all time hits, ‘Tera kangna jab khankay.’

AKU-EB Director Dr Thomas Christie gave out the SSC certificates to students from all over Pakistan. Roy was called up on stage again to give out awards certificates to HSSC students. AKUH President Faiz Rasul was asked to come on stage and give the certificates to Hooria Imran, Komal Zehra Zaidi and Sarah Salahuddin, the top three SSC students and Hani Ghulam Abbas, Asma Gulab and Raaza Malja, the top three HSSC students.

Pre-engineering student Hani Ghulam Abbas and pre-medical student Asma Gulab told The Express Tribune that it was impossible to pass the exam until and unless you understand the subject completely. This year, the AKU-EB has awarded 180 distinctions in different subjects and groups to students from 23 cities. Certificates and cash prizes were also distributed to the top three SSC and HSSC position holders.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Dr Christie said that in the last 10 years, the media had revolutionised and in future the AKU-EB would start media studies and journalism programmes.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2011.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/282880/youn ... e-country/
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Adrenaline rush for 317 students as they graduate from AKU in two ceremonies

The school of nursin­g holds a separa­te servic­e in the evenin­g for its 149 nurses.
By Samia Saleem
Published: November 13, 2011

http://tribune.com.pk/story/291021/adre ... eremonies/

KARACHI:

The Aga Khan University (AKU) auditorium was a swirl of green and white convocation robes on Saturday as the class of 2011 prepared to take its final walk as students.

The 317 degrees had to be conferred upon students in two separate ceremonies for the Medical College and Institute for Educational Development and the School of Nursing. Four of the students walked away with doctorates – one in education and three in the health sciences.

The students trooped into the hall carrying a flag bearing the university emblem. The chief guest, president, registrar and faculty followed in their wake and Board of Trustees Chairman Ambassador Saidullah Khan Dehalvi opened the celebrations.

“Not only has AKU broken new ground in the delivery of health care and education,” said Afghanistan Acting Public Health Minister Dr Suraya Dalil, as she addressed the gathering as the chief guest, “but by combining education and health delivery it has built a synergy that has mutually reinforced both disciplines.” Dr Dalil pointed out that six of the graduates were Afghans.

In the afternoon, the 149 School of Nursing graduates filled the auditorium. AKU President Firoz Rasul emphasised the university’s efforts towards producing competent professionals with the ability to solve problems.

The graduates, young and old, were filled with a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Syed Javed Mehdi, a fresh Master’s in Education, is actually a grade 16 government school teacher and teaches secondary classes. His frail mother stood beside him, swathed in a black shawl but beaming with pride over her youngest son’s achievement. She had come all the way from Khairpur to see him graduate. Syed feels he learnt how to innovate and bring about change in the educational system during his time at AKU.

The PhDs, meanwhile, are exploring new research in the country. Dr Mohsin Yaqoob flew back from Johns Hopkins University to attend his convocation. He completed his doctorate in Physiology and was offered a post doctorate from Hopkins, but he definitely intends to come back to Pakistan. He said that while getting into AKU was difficult, it was not at all unaffordable.

“AKU first selects students on merit and later the fee details are [worked out],” he explained. “In case he or she cannot afford it, it is paid by the university.” This is what makes the PhD programme highly competitive and only about four of almost 90 applications are selected, he explained.

Dr Junaid Iqbal, another new PhD holder, received a 100 per cent scholarship at AKU. He was inspired by a personal incident to take up astrobiology and is researching extremophiles, parasites – a subject alien to Pakistan. Similarly, their colleague, Dr Humera Humayan is off to Japan for her post graduation after completing a PhD in Microbiology.

Raising the MBBS bar

For the MBBS students, expectations are high. Of the 95 graduates, 15 are already Medical Diplomats that licences them to work in the US after they pass their USMLE.

Standing in queue for their graduate pictures beside the university emblem, Akbar Saleh, Umar Rasheed and Umar Tariq said that they have already received calls for residencies from the US. The competitive school has driven them to be the best they can and thus most of them aim to leave the country.

Their classmate, Fatima Sadiq, wants to leave for a year-long internship followed by a residency in the US while Asif Jafferani, the best graduate, wants to specialise in cardiac electrophysiology. While there are four to five cardiac electrophysiologists in the country, training in the field is not taught in Pakistan and he would like to bring the study to students here.

Nursing is no joke

“A lot of parents think that entering nursing is the end of their child’s future but it is not so,” AKU School of Nursing Dean Dr Rozina Karam Alani told The Express Tribune.

She explained that while more and more students are opting to become nurses, the profession still suffers because of its image and its low pay. While the government has raised doctor salaries, nurses make the same amount. Meanwhile, doctors can make more money through private practices while nurses cannot.

“It cost me up to Rs30,000, including fees, accommodation and other expenses during my education,” complained Kashif, a graduate originally from Sialkot. “While when I graduate the pay is hardly Rs20,000.”

There is scope for further education and growth in nursing, however. Students can complete Masters, PhDs, and research. As far as competition is concerned, she said that Dow University of Health Sciences, Baqai, Ziauddin, and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre are all producing very competent professionals. However, there are about 50 alumni from AKUSON in top positions in the country, she boasted.

Zara Rafiq, who received the best graduate award in nursing, said that she sees the profession in conformity to what her religion preaches – to serve the community.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2011.
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