Health & Education Archives

Sindh announces MDCAT 2026 entrance test schedule

July 30, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 for candidates in Sindh will be held on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, under the supervision of Sukkur IBA Testing Services (SIBA).

According to SIBA, examination centers have been established in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Larkana, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Islamabad to facilitate candidates from across the province.

In Karachi, the test will be conducted at NED University, while candidates in Hyderabad will appear at Public School Latifabad. Other designated venues include Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Jamshoro, Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur Public School in Mirpur Khas, Police Training School Ground on Wagon Road in Larkana, Quaid-e-Awam University in Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sukkur IBA Public School on Old Airport Road in Sukkur. Sindh-based candidates who selected Islamabad as their examination city will take the test at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

SIBA said the three-hour examination will begin as scheduled, and candidates are advised to arrive at their respective centers on time. No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the test concludes.

JPMC introduces AI Chatbot to streamline outpatient care

July 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot in the outpatient department (OPD) of its CyberKnife Department to speed up patient assessments, reduce waiting times and improve access to medical care.

The AI chatbot is designed to collect patients’ medical information before they see a doctor, allowing physicians to review their symptoms and medical history in advance. Hospital officials say the initiative is intended to eliminate long queues and make the initial screening process more efficient.

Radiation oncologist Dr. Fatima said patients will first check in at the reception before interacting with the chatbot, which communicates in the patient’s native language.

The system gathers information including the patient’s age, symptoms, medical complaints and relevant health history, asking follow-up questions until it has a clear understanding of the case.

After the interview, the chatbot automatically generates a digital medical report containing the patient’s history, symptoms and a preliminary assessment. The report is then sent electronically to the relevant consultant or specialist before the clinical examination, enabling doctors to provide more informed and efficient care.

The hospital has initially established four dedicated AI consultation rooms, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plans to expand the service to 24-hour availability in the future.

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi tests positive for swine flu

July 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi has tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, Indian media reported, prompting the 75-year-old to isolate at home on doctors’ advice.

According to the reports, Azmi is suffering from a high fever and has been advised to rest and remain in self-isolation for five days to aid her recovery and prevent the spread of the virus.

Indian media said Azmi had recently participated for three days in protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party over an alleged paper leak issue.

She was reportedly unable to attend the final days of the demonstrations after her health deteriorated.

No further details about her condition have been released, and there has been no official statement indicating any serious complications.

Salman Khan responds playfully after viral video sparks health concerns

July 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

MUMBAI: Bollywood star Salman Khan has eased fans’ concerns about his health after responding with a lighthearted social media post following a viral video that prompted speculation about his well-being.

The concerns emerged after Khan attended an event organized by Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), where a video of the actor appeared to show him looking tired and less energetic than usual. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with many fans expressing worry about his health.

Some users suggested the actor looked unwell, while others commented on his age, saying the longtime Bollywood star appeared to be slowing down.

Khan later shared new photos on Instagram and captioned the post with a playful question asking followers, “How are you feeling?” Fans interpreted the post as a humorous response to the online speculation surrounding his health.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da_ItRWE9gg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=AgUAySDk65fn0_CBorSNzuT

The actor appeared noticeably more energetic in the newly shared images, prompting fans to flood the comments section with messages of support and relief, while many praised his lighthearted handling of the rumors.

Karachi student wins Harvard business competition with AI research idea

July 14, 2026 by abid khan

KARACHI: A young entrepreneur from Karachi has won first place in an international business competition at Harvard University, earning recognition for Pakistan with an artificial intelligence-based research innovation.

Jayant Kumar secured the top prize in the competition, where entries were evaluated by a panel of judges representing leading global companies.

Kumar said he has been participating in international competitions for the past two years and has received several awards during that time.

His winning business concept focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to make the research process faster, more efficient and easier for users.

The young innovator said he plans to compete in another international competition next year and hopes to once again bring recognition to Pakistan on the global stage.

Four children from same family contract HIV in Karachi

July 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The number of children infected in the HIV outbreak linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital has risen to 81 after a 10-year-old boy tested positive, making all four children of the same family infected with the virus.

The boy’s father, Aftab Khan, said his family from Karachi’s Zia Colony has been devastated after each of his four children was diagnosed with HIV.

Two days earlier, his 9-year-old daughter tested positive, while his 12-year-old and 3-year-old sons had been diagnosed several months ago. The latest result confirmed that all four siblings are now living with the virus.

Khan alleged that his children had visited Valika Hospital only for routine medical treatment and blamed suspected medical negligence for the infections. He said the family has been left traumatized by the diagnoses and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

The father also alleged that hospital officials suspended during the investigation continue to enjoy official facilities, including accommodation, questioning the effectiveness of the disciplinary action.

He further claimed that affected families continue to face difficulties obtaining timely information about test results, treatment schedules and medications, with hospital staff and the relevant health authorities referring them back and forth without clear guidance.

The affected families have urged the Sindh government to appoint a new focal person to coordinate with victims, saying they need a responsible official who can provide accurate information, address their concerns and ensure access to treatment and support. Authorities are continuing to investigate the HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital. Families of the affected children have renewed calls for a transparent investigation, strict action against those found

Young doctor shot dead in Karachi bank robbery

July 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: A 28-year-old doctor was killed in a shooting during a daylight bank robbery outside a private bank in Karachi’s Clifton area, where armed robbers escaped with Rs2.5 million in cash, police said Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mahzoor Ali said the victim, identified as Dr. Akash, had withdrawn Rs5 million with his father and an associate from a private bank near Teen Talwar. The group was on its way to deposit the money at another bank in the Boat Basin area when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle outside the bank.

Police said a security guard opened fire on the robbers, who returned fire during the exchange. Dr. Akash was fatally struck in the crossfire, while the suspects escaped with one of the two cash bags containing Rs2.5 million. The security guard has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The administration of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre mourned the death of Dr. Akash, describing him as a dedicated, hardworking and highly committed house officer. A hospital spokesperson said he had recently been selected as a Medical Officer through the latest commission examination and was awaiting a posting at JPMC.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the killing and ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible. He directed Karachi’s additional inspector general of police to submit a detailed investigation report and ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects.

“There will be no compromise on law and order,” Murad Ali Shah said, instructing police to intensify efforts against street crime and armed robberies while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association condemned the killing, calling it evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. The association said the loss of the young doctor was not only a tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for Pakistan’s medical community.

Free kidney transplant service launched at Khyber Teaching Hospital

June 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

PESHAWAR: A free kidney transplant service has officially been launched at Khyber Teaching Hospital in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, where doctors successfully performed the first operation, hospital officials said.

According to the hospital administration, the first successful transplant involved a living donor case in which a brother donated a kidney to his sibling.

Officials said both the donor and the recipient are in stable condition following the procedure and have been discharged from the hospital.

The administration said the facility will now provide advanced kidney transplant services free of cost, aiming to improve access to treatment for underprivileged patients suffering from renal diseases.

Hospital authorities added that the new service marks a significant step in expanding specialized healthcare services in the region.

‘Taare Zameen Par’ child star Sachit Sethe becomes dentist

June 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

Sachit Sethe, who appeared as a child actor in the Bollywood hit film Taare Zameen Par, has reportedly become a qualified dentist after stepping away from acting.

Sethe played the role of the elder brother of Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary’s character), a highly intelligent student who consistently excelled academically in the film.

In real life as well, Sethe went on to pursue academic excellence. After the success of the film, he left acting to focus on education and later studied dentistry.

According to reports, he completed his dental studies at DY Patil University, where he earned a gold medal in the field of periodontology, which focuses on diseases of the gums and supporting structures of teeth.

He is now said to be a registered dental practitioner in the United Kingdom.

Sethe is reportedly active on Instagram under the name “Sachit Engineer,” while his co-star Darsheel Safary continued working in films after Taare Zameen Par, Sethe gradually stepped out of the public spotlight.

Playback singer Sonu Nigam reveals health issue

June 17, 2026 by Newsdesk

MUMBAI: Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam has shared concerning details about his health, revealing that he is currently suffering from a painful medical condition but will continue fulfilling his professional commitments.

In a video message posted on social media, Nigam said he has been diagnosed with “pinched nerves” and has undergone multiple medical tests over the past week, including MRI and CT scans. He said he is also on medication as part of his treatment.

The singer said physiotherapy sessions have been particularly painful and that painkillers prescribed to manage discomfort have also affected his voice. He added that the medication has made his throat feel heavy, which is a concern for any vocalist.

Nigam said muscle-relaxing drugs have impacted both his physical condition and confidence, but despite the challenges, he does not want to disappoint his fans and plans to perform at upcoming live shows.

“Even though my confidence is affected due to the pain, I will still perform because I have promised my fans,” he said.

Following his statement, fans took to social media to express concern and send well-wishes, praising his dedication and wishing him a speedy recovery.