Int’l Fistula Day observed in Abbottabad
An estimated 2 million women in developing countries suffer from obstetric fistula, said Fistula Centre Abbottabad in charge Dr Azizun Nisa Abbasi.
She said this infliction happens when patients sustain damage to the urinary bladder from a difficult delivery or gynaecological operations by untrained gynaecologists and surgeons.
Dr Abbasi was speaking at an event organised in connection with International Obstetric Fistula Day at Fistula Centre Abbottabad the other day. A large number of doctors, paramedics and other health personnel attended the event.
She advised the patients who develop dribbling of urine to have trained/skilled gynaecologists to perform repair operations; otherwise, the failure rate is quite high, leaving the woman to live with this crippling problem their whole life.
Recognising the gravity of the condition, UNFPA and Fistula Foundation celebrate this day every year. The purpose of this day is public awareness to end fistula by 2030.
Abbottabad Fistula Centre was established in 2012 in collaboration with PNFWH and International Fistula Foundation. During this period, many women benefited free of cost operations by a team of renowned gynaecologists.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2022.