Health & Education Archives - Page 2 of 13

Imran Khan given fifth eye injection during hospital visit

June 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has received the fifth dose of an intravitreal injection as part of his ongoing medical treatment, party officials said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Khan underwent a medical examination and was taken from Adiala Jail to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital late Sunday night.

According to Gohar, the PTI founder received the scheduled injection and was subsequently transferred back to Adiala Jail.

“I was informed this morning that the PTI founder underwent a follow-up checkup at PIMS,” Gohar said.

He reiterated the party’s demand that Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical care and that family members be granted access to meet him.

No official statement was immediately issued by prison authorities regarding the medical visit.

Karachi reports third monkeypox case

June 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Health authorities have confirmed a third case of monkeypox in Karachi within three days, bringing the city’s total number of confirmed cases to 11.

According to officials, a 26-year-old resident of the Defence Housing Authority area tested positive for the viral infection and has been admitted to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital in NIPA for treatment and isolation.

Health authorities said surveillance and monitoring efforts have been intensified following the recent increase in cases across the city.

Meanwhile, official data showed that measles continues to pose a major public health challenge across Pakistan, with 96 child deaths reported between January and May this year.

Sindh recorded the highest number of fatalities at 53, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 24 deaths, Punjab with 15 and Balochistan with four.

Authorities reported approximately 28,500 suspected measles cases during the first five months of the year, of which 7,500 were laboratory-confirmed.

Despite substantial public health spending, immunisation coverage in Sindh remains below desired levels, raising concerns about the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and disease prevention efforts.

Minor skin grafting performed on acid attack victim Dr Mahnoor

June 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Doctors have performed minor skin grafting on Dr Mahnoor, a woman doctor who suffered an acid attack in Quetta, hospital sources said on Wednesday.

According to hospital sources, no major reconstructive surgery has been conducted, and none is planned at this stage. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons will continue routine minor grafting procedures as part of her treatment plan.

A medical team conducted a detailed examination of Dr. Mahnoor for the third time on Tuesday, which included specialists in reconstructive surgery and ophthalmology, sources added.

Doctors said injuries are present on her face, including around the eyes, lips, and nose. Several diagnostic tests were also carried out during the evaluation.

Hospital sources further said that the patient’s family is satisfied with the treatment being provided. They added that the governments of Balochistan and Sindh remain in continuous contact with the patient and her family and are closely monitoring her recovery.

Studies link smartphone boom to declining birth rates globally

June 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: The rapid rise of smartphones may be contributing to falling birth rates around the world, according to two new studies that examined fertility trends in the United States and dozens of other countries.

Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the U.S. birth rate has declined by 22% since 2007, the same year the first Apple iPhone was introduced.

For years, experts largely attributed the decline in births to the 2008 global financial crisis, which left millions facing economic hardship. However, birth rates failed to return to previous levels even after economic conditions improved.

Researchers noted that several factors have contributed to the trend, including greater use of contraception, higher levels of female education and rising housing and childcare costs.

The study sought to determine whether the widespread adoption of smartphones after 2007 also played a role in the decline.

Until 2011, iPhones were available through only one U.S. mobile network, creating regional differences in smartphone access. The researchers found that areas with earlier access to the devices experienced a 4.5% to 8% decline in birth rates among women aged 15 to 24, while the impact on women older than 24 was more limited.

The researchers cautioned that smartphones alone cannot explain the decline in fertility. However, they suggested that increased smartphone use may have reduced face-to-face social interaction, potentially affecting relationship formation and family planning decisions.

A separate study by University of Cincinnati identified a similar pattern on a global scale.

The researchers analyzed smartphone adoption rates and youth fertility trends across 128 countries and found that birth rates tended to fall more rapidly after smartphones became widely available.

They described the phenomenon as a “common global technology shock” affecting both developed and developing nations.

The studies noted that declining birth rates have contributed to aging populations, shrinking workforces and growing pressure on social security systems in many countries around the world.

Lahore, Faisalabad could rank among world’s hottest cities by 2050

June 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: A recent study has identified Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of El Niño-driven climate change, warning that Lahore and Faisalabad could rank among the world’s hottest cities by 2050.

The research suggests that rising temperatures linked to El Niño could significantly increase heat-related deaths in the two major cities over the coming decades.

The warning comes as Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has also raised concerns about the growing risk of heatwaves. Lahore Chief Meteorologist Dr. Zaheer Babar said temperatures are rising under the influence of El Niño, while rapid urbanization is worsening the problem.

According to Babar, high-rise buildings, vehicle emissions, shrinking green spaces and the expansion of housing societies in urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan are contributing to the formation of intense heatwaves.

Environmental expert Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed cited research indicating that while global temperatures have increased by around 1.5%, the rise has been significantly higher in some Pakistani cities, reaching 4.5% in Karachi and 4.1% in Lahore.

Meanwhile, officials at the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Lahore said tree-planting initiatives are underway to help mitigate rising temperatures. The authority noted that housing societies are required to dedicate at least 7% of their area to tree plantation before receiving a no-objection certificate.

Climate experts have urged authorities to adopt immediate and effective measures to address the growing threat of extreme heat, warning that failure to act could place future generations at greater risk from increasingly severe heatwaves.

PMA demands strict enforcement of FCPS, MCPS trainee stipend policy

June 1, 2026 by abid khan

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has urged the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) to implement a comprehensive enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with stipend policies for FCPS and MCPS postgraduate trainees, warning that notifications alone are insufficient without concrete action.

In a letter addressed to CPSP President, PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro welcomed the college’s recent notification issued on May 30, 2026, reminding accredited institutions to comply with trainee stipend regulations.

However, the association expressed concern that similar directives in the past had failed to produce meaningful results due to weak implementation and oversight.

The PMA said postgraduate residents continue to face delayed payments, underpayment, and denial of their financial rights, particularly in private-sector healthcare institutions where trainee doctors are often required to work under demanding conditions for salaries below approved standards.

The association questioned who would be responsible for enforcing the directive and ensuring that institutions violating stipend policies are held accountable. It argued that warnings regarding possible impacts on accreditation status must be backed by immediate and decisive action.

To strengthen compliance, the PMA proposed several measures, including the establishment of an independent anonymous digital portal through which trainees could report violations without fear of retaliation. It also called for the immediate suspension of training slots and accreditation for institutions found breaching stipend regulations.

Additionally, the PMA recommended the formation of a joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from CPSP, PMA and provincial health authorities to conduct random financial audits of hospital payrolls and verify whether trainees are receiving the stipends mandated under CPSP policy.

Describing postgraduate trainees as the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system, the PMA said their exploitation must end and urged CPSP to provide an urgent enforcement roadmap detailing how stipend violations will be identified, investigated and penalized.

The letter was copied to the CPSP Executive Council and provincial health secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Medical graduates who became film stars

May 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Several actresses in the entertainment industry achieved notable academic success before stepping into the world of acting.

Some of them earned medical degrees such as MBBS, while others specialized in demanding fields like dentistry. Their dedication, discipline, and hard work allowed them to stand out in education before later making a mark in film and television.

These journeys highlight that success in showbiz is not only driven by talent but also by strong educational backgrounds and perseverance.

Many of these actresses initially aspired to become doctors, but later transitioned into the entertainment industry. Among them are Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela, Manushi Chhillar, Shreya Sharma, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Aditi Govitrikar.

Today, these actresses enjoy massive popularity and serve as inspiration for young people, showing that combining education with passion can lead to success in any field.

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz undergoes major surgery in Lahore Hospital

May 28, 2026 by abid khan

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has undergone a major surgical procedure at Sharif Medical City Hospital, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement shared on social media that Maryam Nawaz underwent major surgery at the Lahore-based hospital.

وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف صاحبہ کی شریف میڈیکل سٹی ہسپتال میں میجر سرجری ہوئی ہے جس کے بعد وہ گھر منتقل ہو گئی ہیں، الحمدللہ۔ عید کے دن وزیر اعلی مریم نواز شریف نے ہسپتال سے صوبے میں سکیورٹی، صفائی سمیت دیگر تمام امور کی براہ راست خود نگرانی کی۔
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) May 28, 2026

However, the minister did not specify the nature of the surgical procedure in her statement.

Further details regarding the chief minister’s condition were not immediately disclosed.

Sindh tightens Ebola prevention measures at Karachi Airport

May 26, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has intensified preventive measures against Ebola at Jinnah International Airport amid growing global concerns over the deadly virus.

A high-level emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Special Health Secretary Fawad Ghaffar Soomro to review preparedness and response mechanisms at the airport.

Officials reviewed emergency arrangements to deal with potential Ebola cases, including stricter passenger monitoring, rapid response protocols and improvements to isolation ward facilities.

Representatives from the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Border Health Services also attended the meeting.

Among those present were Director General Health Dr. Waqar Memon, Director PDSRU Dr. Asif Syed and Dr. Zafar Mehdi.

Following the meeting, training sessions were conducted for personnel from different departments to strengthen preparedness against Ebola.

Officials decided to ensure 24-hour ambulance availability and establish a separate storage facility for emergency medical supplies.

Authorities also directed officials to further strengthen the passenger surveillance system at the airport and ensure protective measures and facilities for frontline workers.

During the briefing, Dr. Zafar Mehdi highlighted operational challenges and urgent requirements at the airport, saying airports remain highly sensitive points for the transmission of deadly infectious diseases.

He stressed that rapid response capabilities and effective preparedness are essential to contain Ebola threats.

Dr. Waqar Ahmed Memon emphasized the importance of training sessions and mock exercises to improve emergency response capacity.

An Ebola awareness and training session for health professionals was also held at Jinnah International Airport, focusing on virus transmission, surveillance, infection prevention and control measures, and safe handling of suspected patients and contact tracing.

The Sindh Health Department reaffirmed its commitment to remaining on full alert to protect public health.

Anxiety, depression push global mental health cases to 1.2b, study finds

May 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that anxiety and depression have pushed the number of people living with mental health disorders worldwide to an estimated 1.2 billion.

According to the research, the number of people affected by mental illnesses has nearly doubled over the past three decades, largely driven by a sharp rise in anxiety and depression cases globally.

The study estimated that around 1.2 billion people worldwide were suffering from at least one mental health disorder in 2023.

Researchers found that mental health disorders increased by 95% between 1990 and 2023, with depression and anxiety cases rising by 131% and 158%, respectively. The two conditions have now become the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The researchers stressed the need for stronger global action to address mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The study also showed that women are more affected by mental health disorders than men. Globally, around 620 million cases were recorded among women, compared to 552 million among men.

According to researchers, factors such as low self-esteem, concerns over body image and domestic violence may contribute to the higher prevalence of mental illness among women.

Depression, anxiety, persistent depressive symptoms and bipolar disorder were found to be more common among women, while behavioral conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism were more prevalent among men.

The study further found that mental health problems were most common among individuals aged 15 to 19.