Medical experts say Aarifa Karim's case not 'hopeless'

Experts from Lahore's King Edward's Medical University are confident of saving comatose Aarifa Karim's life.

FAISALABAD: Professor Dr Azhar Hussain, a neurosurgeon at the King Edwards Medical University, Lahore after examining Aarifa Karim Randhawa at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore has opined that “this was not a hopeless case.”  

This was revealed by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Amjad Karim Randhawa, father of Aarifa, on Tuesday night. Randhawa quoted Dr Hussain as saying “we believe that we can be successful in activating her cerebral activity.”

A joint team of medical experts of CMH Lahore had already prepared a comprehensive report pertaining to the health status of child prodigy, Aarifa Karim Randhawa who is under care at an intensive care unit of CMH since December 22, 2011.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani too has sent his representative, Dr Muhammad Iftikhar, who has joined the medical experts at the CMH Lahore to assure best possible medical care is provided for Randhawa. Dr Iftikhar has assured on behalf of the federal government that it would provide medical assistance for the survival of Aarifa Karim anywhere in the word as per advice and suggestions of the resident medical team.

Lt Col Randhawa said that samples from Aarifa, including scans of her brain have been mailed to renowned medical experts in Australia and other countries.

“I have been constantly receiving a flood of calls from abroad as well as within Pakistan inquiring after the health of Aarifa”, Lt Col Randhawa said.

“A number of medical experts of all the leading developed countries are also in touch with me as well as the doctors of CMH and are providing vital assistance for her survival”.

Randhawa said that while doctors had given up hope at one point, there was renewed belief that Aarifa could be saved. “Now we believe that a miracle will take place for the survival of Aarifa Karim”.

Aarifa Karim Randhawa was rushed to the CMH Lahore after she suffered a cardiac arrest on December 22, 2011.

She is the youngest ever Microsoft certified professional in the world.