KARACHI: A pulmonary rehabilitation centre was inaugurated at the Institute of Chest Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Ojha campus, on Friday.
Named after Dr Syed Ashiq Hussain, former head of the Ojha institute, the facility would be providing free-of-cost service.
Speaking at the ceremony, DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Nazli Hossain said the establishment of a free pulmonary rehab reflected Dow university’s commitment to providing the best medical facilities to its patients
“The state-of-art facility was much needed. The university will continue its efforts to set up more patient-friendly facilities at the institute,” she said.
Prof Iftikhar Ahmed heading the chest institute briefed the guests about the facilities being provided at the institute, including diagnosis, treatment and medicines, all free of cost.
“Hundreds of patients with chest diseases visit the Ojha institute. For a long time, there had been a dire need for such a rehab center that could provide full recovery and rehabilitation services after diagnosis and treatment,” said Prof Ahmed, adding that physiotherapists had been appointed at the rehab.
The attendees included Deputy Director Dr Murtaza Soho, Dr Niaz Soomro, Dr Faisal Asad and Dr Faisal Fayaz Zubairi.
Later, the vice chancellor opened a specialised pharmacy set up to provide high cost syringes and intravenous injections.
A day earlier, a cardiac rehabilitation centre was opened at the Dow Institute of Cardiology (DIC).
At the inauguration, Dr Tariq Furman heading the DIC noted that despite global efforts, the number of cardiac patients continued to rise.
“Most of these patients consider themselves a burden on society. The DIC’s new facility will strive to change this mindset by providing comprehensive counseling, support, and supervised exercise programme for patients recovering from angioplasty and bypass surgeries,” he said.
Prof Furman emphasised the need for better awareness, regular monitoring of diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and adherence to prescribed medications, for improved heart health.
Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2025
