PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches Clinical Practice Guidelines, Commends AKU’s Role in Health Sector Reform
Islamabad:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gradually achieving universal access to quality education and healthcare services for every Pakistani.
Speaking at the launch event of the “Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines,” which was developed after comprehensive research by Aga Khan University Karachi (AKU), the Prime Minister praised AKU’s contribution to the healthcare sector, stating that the guidelines would mark a new era of reforms in Pakistan’s health sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that the Aga Khan Foundation is providing pro bono consultancy services for the construction of the Jinnah Medical Complex in Islamabad, adding that the Foundation’s role in Pakistan’s development is highly commendable. He expressed his gratitude to Sultan Ali Alana, President of the Aga Khan Foundation, for their unwavering support.
Dr. Adil Haider, the Editor-in-Chief of the manual, highlighted that this is the first-ever clinical practice manual in Pakistan, consisting of 140 critical guidelines. He explained that the manual would directly benefit 20 million people across the country. By adhering to these principles, particularly during surgeries and medical procedures in hospitals, the manual is expected to save approximately 280,000 lives annually.
During the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also participated in a session at AKU, where around 30 health sector experts and policymakers from across Pakistan discussed various proposals to improve the quality of healthcare services, introduce reforms, and increase support for healthcare institutions.
The session was attended by key figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and other senior officials.
It is important to note that the lack of a research-based clinical practice manual had previously led to an increase in risks for patients. For example, last year, 30 patients undergoing dialysis at Nishtar Hospital in Multan contracted HIV due to a lack of preventive measures.
The launch of this manual aims to mitigate such risks and pave the way for a more organized, efficient, and safer healthcare environment in Pakistan.
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