DERA GHAZI KHAN: The first paediatric neurosurgery department in south Punjab was set up at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan.

The department was inaugurated by Principal of Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College Prof Dr. Muhammad Asif Qureshi. The event was attended by Medical Superintendent Dr. Najibur Rehman Thahim and head of neurosurgery department Dr. Attaur Rehman Buzdar.

This new department is a great addition to the hospital, which already has a cancer ward and AIDS (HIV) ward. The paediatric neurosurgery department is the first of its kind in Punjab and will provide 24-hour treatment facilities to patients.

According to Prof Dr. Muhammad Asif Qureshi, paediatric neurosurgery is a specialised branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system in children from newborns to teenagers. The proper functioning of the nervous system is crucial for a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.

He says neurosurgery, in general, requires immense sacrifice and dedication, but paediatric neurosurgery is even more demanding due to its sensitivity. Neurosurgeons are often compared to diamond cutters, as even a small mistake can have irreversible consequences, he says. The mortality and disability rates in neurosurgery are high, highlighting the importance of precision and expertise in this field.

Prof Qureshi says the establishment of the paediatric neurosurgery department at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital is a significant step forward in providing specialised medical care to children in the region. It will undoubtedly benefit the residents of Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas, as they will no longer have to travel to upper Punjab for paediatric neurosurgical procedures.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2023