First public sector metarnal fetal medicine facility opens at JPMC

KARACHI:

Pakistan's first public sector Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) subspecialty, along with Family Planning, has been established at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) under the pioneering leadership of Dr Nighat Ali Shah.

This centre is named the Prof Dr Sadiqa Jaffery Maternal Fetal Medicine and Family Planning Centre at Gynecology Ward, 9B. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by UNFPA, is spearheaded by Dr Erum Majid, an expert in Maternal Fetal Medicine serving as associate professor at JPMC.

The newly inaugurated department features dedicated ultrasound and maternal fetal medicine rooms, aiming to provide comprehensive care to expectant mothers with various health conditions, including high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Dr Azra Pechuho, Sindh Minister for Health and Population, has pledged support for the procurement of an ultrasonic machine and the establishment of a cytogenic lab to facilitate advanced diagnostic testing previously only available at private hospitals, and hence a very expensive modality.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr Pechuho, in the presence of UNFPA senior leadership, development partners, and stakeholders.

Dr Nighat Shah, founding HOD of 9B, spoke about the unit's one-year journey, while Dr Pechuho appreciated the vision and efforts. She also underlined the importance of maternal ICU facilities to

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.