<p>​The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi has inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (WCH). The new building creates a dedicated space for teaching, research, and patient services in the areas of women and child health. It brings together the exceptional strengths of AKUH in providing world-class clinical care backed by ground-breaking research.</p><p>WCH is strategically designed to foster high-level collaboration between the faculty members of the Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, propelling advancements in medical knowledge and patient care. Its mission is to provide comprehensive clinical care tailored to women&#39;s and children&#39;s well-being. It houses specialized outpatient clinics for Paediatrics and Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a Feto-Maternal unit (FMU) and the Child Development and Rehabilitation Centre (CDRC) to cater to the unique needs of expectant mothers, differently-abled and other children.</p><p>The Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient services were inaugurated on Friday, 1 September 2023. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO, Aga Khan University Health Services, Pakistan, Dr Adil H. Haider, Dean Medical College, Dr Asim Belgaumi, Chief Medical Officer, Ms. Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Salman Kirmani, Chair CoE WCH, Dr Lumaan Sheikh, Chair Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Huma Naz, Director Outpatient Services, and several other leaders from the AKU Health Services.</p><p>Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKU Health Services Pakistan, expressed enthusiasm during the ceremony, stating, “This new building will give hope to sick and vulnerable women, young children and babies in our society. This building symbolizes a firm institutional commitment to continue to serve the society in the most amicable way.&quot;</p><p>The WCH Building will serve as the hub for ground-breaking research, equipped with state-of-the-art research labs like the Infectious Diseases Research Lab (IDRL) and the Nutrition Research Lab (NRL). In addition, AKU&#39;s Human Development Programme (HDP) will also be offered in this new facility. This one-of-a-kind program uses a multidisciplinary integrated strategy to improve all aspects of Early Child Development (ECD). HDP also supports human development through a research-based approach, contributing significantly to improving mother and child nutrition and prevent malnutrition. The programme enhances the lives of children with special needs and provides information and practical skills necessary to interact with children with intellectual impairments in mainstream schools, at home, in social situations, and in other inclusive settings. </p><p>The WCH Building is thoughtfully designed to provide a positive experience for patients and their families. It features wide corridors, natural light, spacious waiting areas, comfortable seating, and a specially designed play area on the first floor. Local-themed artwork by the Rana Liaquat Cultural Centre (RLCC) adorns clinical areas, infusing vibrancy into the environment.</p><p>The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health signifies a significant step forward in transforming healthcare and improving the lives of women and children. AKUH expresses deep gratitude to all stakeholders and partners whose unwavering support has made this endeavour possible.
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