Karachi: In loving memory of our people who have delivered their services to nation, they should be remembered by establishing healthcare facility or centre under their name for betterment of people of Pakistan,” said Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho Minister for Health Sindh government addressing as chief guest at launching ceremony of ‘Dr. Aijaz Fatima Women and Children Centre’ (AFWCC), collaborative initiative by Ziauddin University and Dr. Ziauddin Hospital.

Launching ceremony of AFWCC was held on 3rd death anniversary of Dr. Aijaz Fatima, she was founder of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, renowned gynecologist and pioneering figure in medical community.               

Dr. Pechuho emphasised, “AFWCC is an adventure that holds immense promise. Creating centres for maternal and child care is crucial and I strongly advocate establishing these facilities in most remote, underprivileged and deserving areas. These communities are in dire need of such clinics. We should focus on setting up facilities that genuinely serve the people of Pakistan, particularly targeting most underprivileged and underserved communities in country.

Best way to reduce maternal mortality is to link communities with health facilities and deliver quality care, it is fact that when family loses mother, we can understand the hardships child goes through.”

Dr. Aijaz Fatima outlined strategic direction focused on advancing research with provision of quality care and accessible treatment to women and children. AFWCC aims to identify priority healthcare issues for optimal health care in community and at Dr Ziauddin Hospitals, underpinned with University’s research strength for solutions.

AFWCC will benefit from collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary team at Ziauddin University. This includes Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Public Health, ORIC, Nursing and Midwifery, Nutrition, Clinical Psychology, Research and Molecular Medicine. Together, they will ensure that highest standards of care and research are maintained.

While giving her welcome address, pro-chancellor of Ziauddin University Dr. Nida Hussain said, “Establishment of ‘Dr. Aijaz Fatima Women and Children Centre’ marks significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide high-quality healthcare and advance research in maternal and child healthcare. This centre is not just facility, it is testament to our commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of women and children of this nation”.

“Centre stands as beacon of hope, reflecting dedication to improving health outcomes, reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring that every woman and child receives compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve”, she added. Dr. Syed Aziz Rab CEO of Greenstar Social Marketing brought attention by mentioning facts, “Each year, approximately 12,000-14,000 women in Pakistan lose their lives due to complications related to unwanted pregnancies and pregnancy-related issues.”  Dr. Rab emphasised preventable nature of these tragic losses, underscoring urgent need for comprehensive healthcare interventions.

He highlighted Greenstar Social Marketing’s commitment to addressing this issue by providing training to 23,000 service providers. He expressed his organisation’s enthusiasm in partnering with Ziauddin University and AFWCC to further expand these efforts, particularly focusing on empowering women through education on breastfeeding, family planning and overall women’s health.

‘Dr. Aijaz Fatima Women and Children Centre’ is more than just health care centre, it is sanctuary, where medical care meets compassion,” mentioned Prof. Dr. Muhammad Inayatullah Khan Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University, in his concluding remarks.

Dr. Khan emphasised Ziauddin University’s commitment to providing specialized healthcare for women and children, citing centre as milestone in this mission. He stressed University’s dedication to both cutting-edge research and capacity building, ensuring holistic approach to healthcare that combines expertise with empathy.

During launching ceremony of AFWCC, Dr. Talat Mirza Executive Director of Research and Head of Molecular Medicine at Ziauddin University, provided insightful perspectives on research initiatives at AFWCC. Prof. Fatima Jehangir Head of Family Medicine at Ziauddin University, introduced AFWCC, outlining its objectives and highlighting its significance in addressing healthcare needs of women and children in region.

Earlier, Miraal Khalid, 4th year student of MBBS delivered presentation on life and legacy of Dr. Aijaz Fatima, offering glimpses of her remarkable contributions to healthcare.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 28 2024

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