Imran Zakir
KARACHI: Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) has achieved another milestone by launching a Paediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit and inaugurating a 24/7 Satellite Pharmacy. The facilities were inaugurated by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh on Public Health and Industries.
The ceremony also marked the handover of a newly procured 4K paediatric laparoscopic tower for the state-of-the-art surgical unit at one of Pakistan’s largest public tertiary care hospitals.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jawed Faisal said the paediatric laparoscopic surgery unit had been established through the generous support of the Dowites 1986 batch, fulfilling a long-standing dream. He added that, through telemedicine, the facility would eventually be linked with other government hospitals and basic health units across Sindh.
Head of Paediatric laparoscopic surgery Ward Dr. Arif Mateen said the new 4K imaging system provides four times greater magnification, allowing surgeons to clearly visualize tiny nerves and blood vessels in children. He said the advanced technology ensures greater surgical precision, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain. CHK plans to perform around 20 paediatric laparoscopic surgeries each week due to the high patient load, including Trauma centre cases.
Medical Superintendent CHK Dr. Khalid Bukhari said he had been working to introduce paediatric laparoscopic surgery since assuming office but public-sector budget constraints and lengthy approval procedures had delayed the project. He thanked Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho for supporting the initiative.
Responding to media queries, Dr. Bukhari said a similar laparoscopic procedure at a private hospital could cost around Rs 5 million, whereas the treatment at CHK would be provided free of charge to patients from Sindh as well as other provinces.
He added that the newly established 24/7 Satellite Pharmacy would enable patients to receive prescribed medicines immediately under a daily purchase system.
Senator Waqar Mehdi said the Sindh government remained committed to improving healthcare services in public hospitals in line with the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the party’s manifesto.
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