Terminally ill patients need round-the-clock skilled care

Read in Urdu

"There is only once chance to get it right," said Dr Junaid Patel Consultant Physician at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). It is critical that medical professionals and family members are educated on the latest techniques and procedures to ensure comfort for terminally ill patients. AKUH organised a seminar titled "An Update on Medicine" as part of its Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes.

Topics ranged from hypertension to malaria - the underlying theme was early detection and appropriate treatment. "Disease management along with lifestyle modification is imperative," said Dr Hanif Ismail, because hypertension is known as the 'silent killer'. Patients with high blood pressure are three time more likely to have a stroke or develop heart disease. Those are alarming statistics, but minor lifestyle changes can make a difference. Patients with hypertension, typically a lifelong condition, must quit smoking, avoid alcohol, reduce salt intake and incorporate exercise as a regular part of their lifestyle to help manage the disorder.

"Lives can be saved with early detection," said Dr Muhammed Tariq, "Malaria is a complex but preventable disease for which treatment is available." The seminar also highlighted issues that need to be addressed, including resistance to anti malarial drugs. Education and preventative measures along with control programmes could help reduce the effect of malaria.

Complex disorders such as rheumatoid and septic arthritis along with gout were discussed under 'common joint disorders in the primary care setting'. Dr Jazebieh Qureshi, Consultant Rheumatologist stressed that "focusing on symptoms such as the onset of joint pain,  the number of areas affected and the advancement of pain can help in the diagnosis.". While certain joint disorders can be morbidly painful and accelerate morality, medication for treatment and pain management are available. Treatment for joint disorders can include anti-inflammatory drugs, aggressive disease modifying agents and uric acid lowering medications.

 "Despite the reduction of worldwide mortality, 150,000 Pakistani children die every year of dehydration due to diarrhoea," informed Dr Mehmood Riaz. Factors relating to the onset of diarrhoea have a direct relation to the supply of clean water along with sanitised facilities. Treatment of diarrhoea includes antimicrobial therapy that can help shorten the duration and reduce fever, however preventative measures are more effective in the long term, such as proper sanitation, access to clean water, practicing good hygiene and above all education, can help reduce the risk of developing and spreading diarrhoea.

AKU regularly organises CME seminars on the management of medical problems which are relevant to Pakistan.

Read in Urdu