The renowned Physician/Gastroentrology and head of Asian Institute of Medical Science (AIMS) Hyderabad Dr Sadiq Memon expressed his apprehensions over rapid increase of Liver Diseases and said that every 10th person in the country is infected with this disease.
This he said while addressing 1st International Conference on Liver Diseases/Liver Transplantation organised by Asian Institute of Medical Science (AIMS) Hyderabad in collaboration with Pakistan Society for the study of liver science held at AIMS premises Hyderabad today.
He said that we cannot control this fatal disease until and unless Government patronises the organisation combating with disease. He said that we have good physicians, surgeons, but lacking facilities in other components. Hence, missing facilities must be provided in the country to meet this big challenge to the society. He said that presently 20 to 25 liver patients are yearly operated for their transplantation at SIUT and Al-Shifa Hospitals in Pakistan which is very small number of delivery, especially in the country where the Liver Diseases are increasing at alarming level.
He said that in addition to our neighbouring countries, India, Iran and China the Liver Transplantation is being performed in Singapore and other European countries where the expenses are much higher and beyond the approach of patients. He said that the expenses on liver transplantation in India are estimated Rs 6 to 7 million, which according to him is not affordable by the patients.
He said that we can provide same facility to the patients at cheaper rates here in Pakistan but Government patronisation in this regard is needed. He said that this act of Government would not only benefit the patients but also reduce its health problem. Highlighting over the performance of his institute, Dr Sadiq Memon, said that Liver Diseases' patients have been benefited by his institute in thousands number and out of them 83 patients were referred to APPOLO Hospital New Delhi India where their Liver was transplanted.