MULTAN: The first ever pediatric dialysis unit of Punjab opened at ward No 19 of the Nishtar Hospital on Saturday.

Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Vice Chancellor Dr Mustafa Kamal Pasha and physically-challenged Minhaj Maula opened the six-bed unit.

Initially, two dialysis machines and an RO plant have been donated to the unit by a non-government organisation (NGO), and after two months, it would fund another two machines.

Dr Pasha said the unit was another feather in the cap of the NMU and appreciated the commendable job of the NGO.

He said they had launched a sub-branch of blood collection centre at the labour room which would be sent to the Nishtar Laboratory through hospital’s carriers. He said these tests would be conducted on priority and its results would be available online in the ward after 40 minutes.

The VC said that 150 patients were being operated upon through four operation theatres at the Accident and Emergency Ward daily.

They have initiated a number of steps within a very duration of one-and-a-half month after taking over as the vice-chancellor, Dr Pasha said and added that they had already launched “Clean Nishtar campaign” under which 1,000 saplings would be planted on the hospital’s premises.

NGO Chief Executive Office Fadia Kashif said they were doing everything just for the sake of humanity. She shed light on number of projects her NGO was carrying on.

Head of Pediatric Department Dr Fauzua Zafar highlighted the initiatives taken by her team for the two paedo units. She said a dream had come true in the shape of the Pediatric Dialysis Unit.

Former Nishtar Medical College principal Dr Samee Akhtar, Medical Superintendent Dr Abdul Rehman, Dr Huma Qudoosi, Dr Abdul Sattar Anjum, Dr Sajid Akhtar and Nursing Superintendent Kokub Naheed attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2017