KARACHI ( Web News )
Pakistan is facing a steep rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD). Recent figures from IDF Atlas are staggering depicting a sharp increase in diabetes. Pakistan ranked 3rd in number of people living with diabetes in the world only after China and India, the countries with highest number of populations.
In Pakistan, 1 in 4 adults (26.7%) are living with diabetes accounting for 33 million people, the burden of the disease is expected to increase as about 10.5 million people suffer from intermittent hyperglycemia and this disease is responsible for 400,000 premature deaths annually. If no community-based campaigns are initiated to intervene, the number is expected to increase.
This major public health challenge requires immediate plan of action. These actions include standardization of care at public and private sectors, development and implementation of nationwide diabetes registry and integrated approach to diabetes and NCD care. Continuing education in management, cultural competence and leadership developmental programs are also responsibilities of public health. Hence, training and capacity building for NCD managers at all levels is the key for initiation of successful prevention plans in future. Moreover, utilization of electronic, social and print media for propagation of the right message is of utmost importance. Producing advocates of health for policy development, education and other relevant stakeholders for community-orientated prevention strategies will lead to better and integrated programs leading to better service provision for community.
As a research-driven pharmaceutical company, Getz Pharma has always taken an active role in supporting advanced scientific studies that can help patients and healthcare professionals in dealing with life-threatening diseases. This time, Getz Pharma is proud to enter into an agreement with BIDE (Baqai Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology) and SZABIST to promote academic and research activities across the country, particularly in the area of non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus.
Getz Pharma, BIDE, and SZABIST aim to form a unique collaborative platform which will allow experienced physicians and researchers at BIDE in engaging the academically advanced graduate students at SZABIST in scientific research to generate valuable insights into areas of NDCs, particularly Diabetes. The three patrons will also engage in activities centered on capacity building of healthcare providers.
“SZABIST Life Sciences department is engaged in qualitative research in different areas to provide solutions to prevailing problems. Graduate students are very strong assets that can be utilized to carry out innovative research to solve public health challenges. An alliance between hospitals, educational institutes and industry leaders can just be the key we need to address severe public health challenges like non communicable diseases” – Shahnaz Wazir Ali – President SZABIST.
Speaking on the occasion Khalid Mahmood – Managing Director and CEO of Getz Pharma highlighted that “The main objective behind this initiative was to bring the three organizations under a single platform and formulate a strategy for collaborative research activities, capacity building of healthcare professionals, increasing awareness of communities and sensitizing policymakers to take immediate actions”. Specific insights generated by the data can be utilized for making strategies for effective management of diseases.
By bringing all the stakeholders in the industry on a single platform, Getz Pharma has taken the first step in establishing meaningful partnerships that will address the needs of local population. Appreciating Getz Pharma’s efforts, Dr. Abdul Basit – Director of BIDE says, “Getz Pharma has always come up with creative solutions to address the healthcare challenges. By initiating this partnership, they are helping us in standardization of diabetes care across the country and developing preventive strategies for the people who are at high risk of developing non-communicable diseases and striving to develop a healthy nation.