Tag: medical treatment

  • “It’s inhumane”: Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan describes conditions Gaza doctors are working in

    “It’s inhumane”: Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan describes conditions Gaza doctors are working in

    Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, a paediatric intensive care doctor for Doctors Without Borders and a co-founder of the GazaMedicVoices social platform, reflects in an interview on the on-going struggle of doctors in Gaza who are working under dearth of basic medical supplies.

    “I refuse to let my imagination go to the places where reality has taken us in these last three weeks.” she said.

    “Everyday I feel like things can’t get worse, and then they seem to get worse.”

    Dr. Tanya asserted Gaza doctors are “World class experts in the field of medicine and in the field of mass casualties” but she goes on to remark that having to carry out medical procedures without pain control or anaesthesia “makes it sound very barbaric.”

    With “hands tied” and being “stripped of every tool” used in modern medicine — from anaesthesia to ventilators and monitors — it is an unfathomable place to be in, she described.

    “I can’t fathom being in the position that they are in,” she stated, highlighting that the doctors in Gaza are working every day despite the trauma they are seeing, despite fear for their family’s well being, despite fear for their own life, and constantly being threatened to be bombed in the health facility because they “refuse to leave” their patients and evacuate.

    “I’ve never been in that position and I don’t know many people that have been in that position to be honest. The conditions that we’re seeing in the Gaza strip right now are unthinkable.” she added, calling it “unprecedented in modern times”.

    She further highlighted in her interview that the children there are coming in with 70-90 per cent of their bodies burned, stressing that doctors would normally and “obviously” give them immediate pain control. And a regular change of dressing would be carried out under sterile conditions; and if the burns are extensive, they are put to sleep for the process because it is so “exquisitely painful”.

    But in Gaza, pain relief is not an option.

    Dr. Tanya also quoted the doctors currently serving in Gaza who, to describe their situation, used words like “inhumane”, “intolerable”, “unbearable”.

    “They are crying out to the outside world and many of them are giving up. They’re saying the world has come together to eliminate us,” she reiterated.

    Others say, “They are deaf and blind to our suffering. All we have is God.”

  • Vaccine to prevent recurrence of breast cancer produces good results in trial

    Vaccine to prevent recurrence of breast cancer produces good results in trial

    A vaccine developed for an aggressive form of breast cancer is currently being tested in human clinical trials.

    If the trials are successful, the vaccine would be groundbreaking, preventing recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer, which makes up about 10% to 15% of all breast cancers and is particularly challenging to treat.

    According to an article published by John Hopkins, triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer because it grows quickly and has a higher rate of recurrence — locally, in the breast area, or to other parts of the body, meaning metastasis. In fact, the risk of the cancer recurring within five years of being diagnosed is nearly three times higher in patients with triple-negative breast cancer than in those who don’t have that type of breast cancer.

    Yahoo! interviewed Jennifer Davis who is the first person to receive the vaccine as part of the clinical trial.

    Davis is a 46-year-old nurse and a mother of three living in Ohio, USA. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2018, undergoing a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

    During her follow-up appointment, she came to know about the breast cancer vaccine trial.

    The vaccine has been under development for 20 years based on research led by Vincent Tuohy, who died in January 2023, and its human trials started in October 2021.

    “My [health care] team informed me of the vaccine that Dr. Tuohy had been studying for a long time,” Davis said.

    “It’s just that kind of breast cancer — that particular type — there’s nothing I can take afterward, no tamoxifen [a hormone therapy], and recurrence is high. If it does come back, outcomes are not the greatest. So I wanted to take something — the vaccine was that for me.”

    And because Davis is a nurse she claims to understand the importance of clinical trials, adding, “That’s how we advance medicine and make changes and one day, get rid of breast cancer.”

    Chairman and chief executive officer of Anixa Biosciences, licensed to create the vaccine, Amit Kumar says that 42% of women with triple-negative breast cancer will get the cancer again within five years. “It’s typically much more aggressive, so the outcome for those women is not very good,” he tells Yahoo Life.

    The purpose of the breast cancer vaccine is to “eliminate the recurrence for those women and eventually, prevent the cancer from ever arising.”

  • CM orders treatment for baby born with heart outside chest

    CM orders treatment for baby born with heart outside chest

    A baby boy born at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Muzaffargarh had the rare congenital defect of having his heart outside of the chest.

    According to Pakistan Observer, surgeons confirmed that the baby’s heart was located outside the chest cavity, and had a congenital heart defect with a hole.

    24 News has confirmed that on the instructions of Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the baby, named Abdulllah, will be shifted to Lahore’s Children’s Hospital on Tuesday for treatment.

    Before being taken to Lahore for further treatment, the child was admitted to Children’s Hospital, Multan.

    The chief minister also gave instructions for special arrangements to be made for the child’s treatment.

    The baby’s congenital defect is referred to as Ectopia Cardis, an extremely rare condition in which the heart develops outside of the chest wall.

    The condition, often accompanied by other birth defects such as cleft palate or a curved spine, can be fatal if left untreated.

  • Employee at King Edward Medical University caught making video of female student in washroom

    Employee at King Edward Medical University caught making video of female student in washroom

    An employee of King Edward Medical University (KEMU) has been caught making a video of a female student in a washroom.

    The incident took place at Maqbool Block of the university. The female, a MBBS Part-I student, caught the man filming her, and took the phone from him which contained objectionable clips.

    According to a university source, MBBS students had previously protested to the KEMU administration on several occasions about male staff members moving around in the restrooms reserved for women.

    “The most worrying part of the development was the fear of the medical students that a nexus was behind the crime,” the source claimed.

    The parents of the student reprimanded university administration for not taking serious action against the employee who recorded the video..

  • Contempt of court petition to be filed against Shehbaz if he fails to submit Nawaz’s medical report: AGP

    Contempt of court petition to be filed against Shehbaz if he fails to submit Nawaz’s medical report: AGP

    The Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) has written a letter to the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif to bring back Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan.

    The AGP has instructed Shehbaz to submit Nawaz’s medical reports within the next 10 days; in case he fails to do so, contempt of court petition will be filed against Shehbaz.

    The AGP also mentioned that according to media reports, Nawaz is in good health, while when he was leaving the country, his condition was described as critical.

    The letter further said that as soon as Nawaz reached London, “his condition improved”.

    “After reaching London, Nawaz did not stay in the hospital for a single day and remained involved in his political activities,” the letter stated.

    The AGP highlighted that the affidavit and the court order were “violated as Shehbaz did not submit Nawaz’s medical reports”.

    In line with the federal cabinet’s decision, the Punjab government formed a medical board to examine Nawaz Sharif’s health reports submitted in the Lahore High Court (LHC).

  • Board to examine Nawaz’s medical conditions, report in five days

    Board to examine Nawaz’s medical conditions, report in five days

    In line with the federal cabinet’s decision, the Punjab government on Friday has formed a medical board to examine Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s health reports submitted in Lahore High Court (LHC).

    Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar confirmed that a notification has been issued in this regard, according to which the medical board comprises of Dr Mohammad Arif Nadeem, Dr Ghias-un-Nabi Tayyab, Dr Saqib Saeed, Dr Shahid Hameed, Dr Bilal S Mohi-ud-din, Dr Ambreen Hamid, Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Dr Moona Aziz, and Dr Khadija Irfan.

    The board has been directed to submit its report/expert medical opinion to the specialised healthcare secretary within five days.

    Earlier this week the attorney general’s office asked the Punjab government to consider establishing a medical board or a committee that could determine the current status of Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    In a two-page letter, addressed to Punjab Home Secretary Zafar Nasrullah Khan, the attorney general’s office wrote: “In order to initiate the process of verification in the light of the Nov 16, 2019, Lahore High Court order, the government of Punjab is requested to constitute a medical board/committee to examine the documents submitted as medical reports on behalf of the petitioner and Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif so that expert medical opinion regarding the physical condition of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and his ability to travel back to Pakistan is made available.”

    The letter was written in line with the federal cabinet’s instructions to the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to initiate proceedings against the Sharif family.

    The letter pointed out that Nawaz Sharif’s “apparent present physical condition was available in the media”.

    “Given the fact that he had left the country claiming to be in extreme critical condition which prima facie improved significantly after his arrival in London and the fact that he has apparently never been hospitalised and his political, social and other recreational activities have continued uninterrupted… indicate that severe ailment, if any, that may have existed in [the] past is no longer evident or [constrains] his activities,” the letter said.

    Nawaz Sharif had left for the United Kingdom (UK) in November 2019 after the Lahore High Court granted him a four-week bail for his treatment.

  • ‘Never been hospitalised, activities uninterrupted’: Attorney General wants committee on Nawaz’s health

    ‘Never been hospitalised, activities uninterrupted’: Attorney General wants committee on Nawaz’s health

    The attorney general’s office on Wednesday asked the Punjab government to consider establishing a medical board or a committee that could determine the current status of Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reports Dawn.

    In November 2019,  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s supreme leader was granted one-time permission by a bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

    In a two-page letter, addressed to Punjab Home Secretary Zafar Nasrullah Khan, the attorney general’s office wrote: “In order to initiate the process of verification in the light of the Nov 16, 2019, Lahore High Court order, the government of Punjab is requested to constitute a medical board/committee to examine the documents submitted as medical reports on behalf of the petitioner and Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif so that expert medical opinion regarding the physical condition of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and his ability to travel back to Pakistan is made available.”

    The letter was written in line with the federal cabinet’s instructions to the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to initiate proceedings against the Sharif family.

    The letter pointed out that Nawaz Sharif’s “apparent present physical condition was available in the media”.

    “Given the fact that he had left the country claiming to be in extreme critical condition which prima facie improved significantly after his arrival in London and the fact that he has apparently never been hospitalised and his political, social and other recreational activities have continued uninterrupted… indicate that severe ailment, if any, that may have existed in [the] past is no longer evident or [constrains] his activities,” the letter said.

    “This is further reinforced by the public statements made and reported in the media by his close family members including Shehbaz Sharif and other political associates, who recently met Nawaz Sharif in London,” the letter recalled.

    Earlier this week, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, while addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting, said that Nawaz Sharif was not seeking medical treatment for the past 17 months.

    “Shehbaz Sharif was the guarantor of Nawaz Sharif,” said the minister.

    “The drama of Nawaz Sharif’s health was created here,” said Fawad, adding that Nawaz went out of Pakistan through fraud.

    “[PML-N President] Shehbaz Sharif is involved in this fraud. According to his statement, Shehbaz Sharif should take steps to bring Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan,” said Fawad.

    “The Federal Cabinet has decided to approach the High Court on the false affidavit of Shehbaz Sharif,” said the minister.

  • ‘Not everyone can take revolutionary decisions as PTI’: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan during the launch of the Naya Pakistan Sehat Card for all citizens, stated that each family would be eligible for medical treatment of up to one million rupees per year under the universal health coverage programme.

    PM Khan stated that not everyone can take such revolutionary decisions as the PTI did, citing the example of the health card.

    “None of the governments in the past took such a bold decision of providing Rs1 million health insurance to the entire population,” the PM said.

    “The Punjab government has moved on a course that will uplift the country in pursuance of the forefathers’ vision to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state,” he said.

    “Our forefathers had dreamed to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state but unfortunately it could not be developed on that course,” PM Imran said.

    In a dig at the PML-N’s mantra of transforming Pakistan into an Asian Tiger, the premier stated, “Asian Tiger is nothing in comparison to the State of Madina; we are attempting to put Pakistan on a path of prosperity.”

    He stated that now the government will not spend money on building hospitals because private individuals will build them instead.

    “We want to ensure that everyone in rural areas has access to health care, and by March 2022, all families in Punjab will have health cards.”

  • Govt takes back appeal against Shehbaz, name still on ECL

    The federal government has withdrawn its petition challenging the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict, which allowed Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif to travel abroad for his medical treatment.

    Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan informed the court that the government was withdrawing its appeal as Shehbaz had decided to take back his petitions against the government in the High Court.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told The Current that the government has not taken it back. “It is disposed of with the order of the Supreme Court (SC) that this order will still not be cited as a precedent in any case in the future and Shehbaz Sharif or anyone on his behalf cannot use it for contempt proceedings against the government. This is clearly in favour of the government.”

    “If this was a proper or legal order, why can it not be used or followed again and why its violation did not amount to contempt. This is the first time where Supreme Court has passed such an order even though the petition was withdrawn from the High Court. It completely vindicates the government’s stand’” added Fawad.

    Fawad further said, “You compelled them to withdraw from the Lahore High Court and even thereafter the Supreme Court did not approve such an order. In addition, the Supreme Court has also ordered expeditious trial of Shehbaz Sharif in the Accountability Court.”

    Chaudhry had earlier tweeted, “The government’s appeal in the apex court was no longer necessary as Shehbaz’s name had been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and he had withdrawn his petition from the High Court.”

    In May, the LHC had granted conditional permission to Shehbaz to travel abroad for medical treatment. However, when the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly attempted to leave the country on May 9, he was stopped by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). On May 17, the Interior Ministry placed the Opposition leader’s name on the no fly-list.

  • ‘Maryam needed in London for Nawaz’s treatment,’ says Ishaq Dar’s son

    ‘Maryam needed in London for Nawaz’s treatment,’ says Ishaq Dar’s son

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former finance minister Ishaq Dar’s son Ali Dar has said that PML-N Vice President (VP) Maryam Nawaz’s presence in London is essential for her ailing father and former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s treatment.

    “Maryam is aware of her father’s deteriorating health and knows his medical history. His [Nawaz’s] sons haven’t lived with him for around 20 years,” Dar reportedly said.

    Former premier Nawaz is in London after he was allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment despite his convition in corruption cases. His daughter Maryam, however, was denied the same due to the ongoing Chaudhry Sugar Mills case against her.

    Granting her bail, the court had told her to submit her passport with the court.

    Dar’s demand seeking foreign travel for Maryam to see her ailing father comes amid reports that she will soon be moving the Lahore High Court (LHC) in this regard. While PM Imran Khan has said that Maryam won’t be allowed to go to London come what may, according to some journalists, the government won’t be challenging the move if Nawaz’s health deteriorates any further.