Graduates of Dow Medical College currently working and living abroad have donated a PLEX Unit (plasma exchange unit) to their alma mater's neurology department. The PLEX Unit in the Neurology Department at Civil Hospital Karachi was inaugurated by Dr Saad Khalid Niaz, Caretaker Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
While speaking at the inauguration, Dr Niaz highlighted the successful establishment of the PLEX Unit after years of planning and despite limited resources. He acknowledged the former Dow graduates for taking on the challenge of both initiating and completing this project.
Dr Niaz underlined the importance of skilled staff in the health department, describing them as a potential game-changer for health sector. He announced the acquisition of machines for plasma exchange in the neurology department, a significant step to address rare medical needs.
These machines, typically not widely available, are essential for patients who cannot afford the associated expenses. Dr Niaz reiterated that the newly inaugurated unit aims to provide convenient and free treatment for those in need.
While talking to The Express Tribune at the Civil Hospital, Dr Niaz provided insights into ongoing initiatives. He shared that the Well Women Clinic, designed to address women's health issues, had been implemented within four months. The government is actively launching pilot projects in primary health units across Sindh, with plans for 150 clinics in the first phase and 250 in the second, exclusively reserved for women in rural areas.
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Dr Niaz highlighted the launch of a pilot project for a cervical cancer vaccine in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). He stressed the importance of primary health units in the proposed health insurance system, as they will play a crucial role in referrals and initiating treatments.
The health minister acknowledged the need for improvements, stating that four months were insufficient to fix the system entirely. Despite bureaucratic challenges, efforts have been made to address corruption and lay the groundwork for a successful health insurance and automation system.
Responding to a question about his absence from NICVD meeting, Dr Niaz clarified that invitations were at the discretion of the chief minister. Nevertheless, he affirmed the commitment to ongoing and future work in the health sector.
Dr Niaz proposed an increase in fees for Sindh and Dow Medical Colleges, suggesting that fees for those who can afford it be raised from Rs1,000 to Rs1,500. He assured support for deserving students through available government funds.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Dr Saima Anis, a graduate from the 98th batch of Dow University, inaugurated the PLEX Unit and mentioned an expenditure of approximately Rs2 million on the project. Dr Anis called for collaboration from the government, Civil Hospital, the neurology department, and stakeholders to sustain the unit through Zakat contributions in the future.
Dr Qamar-un-Nisa of the neurology department expressed joy at the unit's inauguration, noting that the project had been in progress since the time of Covid pandemic and was successfully completed. She affirmed the department's commitment to working diligently to provide convenience to the people.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2023
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