<p>The Aga Khan University Hospital in partnership with the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications and the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, organized their first ever Health Media Conference for journalists. The event provided a platform for journalists and AKUH doctors and nurses to collaborate and explore opportunities to enhance health coverage in the media in Pakistan.</p><p>The conference featured two panel discussions. The first discussion was focused on the current health trends, prevalent health issues and measures in Pakistan. The panel had some of our following experts:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Dr. Bushra Jamil (Infectious Disease)</li><li>Dr. Lumaan Sheikh (Women's Health)</li><li>Dr. Osman Faheem (Heart Disease)</li><li>Dr. Shahab Abid (Stomach and Liver Disease) </li><li>Dr. Arshalooz Rahman (Children's Health)</li><li>Dr. Marie Andrades (Family Health)</li></ul><p>The panel discussed the importance of taking preventive measures for better health. There are many diseases arising because of the low quality of drinking water in Pakistan, according to Dr. Shahab Abid, and there was consensus on the need for developing low cost clean water solutions. That would help in decreasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as MDR Typhoid, Diarrhea, and Acute Hepatitis E.</p><p>The panel continued discussion regarding heart disease and its prevalence in Pakistan. Health issues concerning the youth of the country were also highlighted with reference to excessive consumption of fast food, poor environment with no playground and sports facilities and increased usage of electronic gadgets in our youth. This has led to pre-hypertensive blood pressure in children and it must be treated thus we advise a complete check-up. At AKUH patients are initially treated through basic life style changes like salt reduction, exercise and blood pressure control later treating them through cutting edge procedures and innovations as and when required. Focus on women's health and their immunity continues to be an issue as they do not come for follow up check-ups.</p><p>The second panel discussed dealing with Social Taboos and Crisis situations in Health Care were discussed by:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>Dr. Unab Khan (Family Health)</li><li>Dr. Nuzhat Farooqui (Kidney and Bladder Health)</li><li>Dr. Qurat Khan (Mental Health)</li><li>Dr. Badar Afzal (Emergency Care)</li><li>Dr. Ambreen Khan (Women's Health)</li></ul><p>The diseases and disorders brought to light included dementia, depression, domestic violence, urological issues, and sexual awareness. Young men and women have multiple eating disorders leading to over sensitivity towards body image, anorexia and obesity. Since family structure is being diverted more towards nuclear structure with the influence of social media, virtual happiness is now being shared through Facebook and YouTube. As physicians and psychiatrists, our doctors treat them but for long term prevention, public intervention is vital.</p><p>The keynote speaker for the Conference was veteran journalist Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, who is the former Executive Editor of The Express Tribune. He shared his thoughts on challenges faced in health reporting and the need for specialized training in this field for journalists. </p><p>The Centre for Innovation in Medical Education Centre (CIME) at AKUH facilitated an interactive clinical simulation tour for our journalists giving them a view of the research and development in teaching doctors and nurses through simulations. Nurses and Doctors can now directly help patients after working and practicing at CIME.</p><p>The program was concluded by a Storytelling session by Mr. Stephen Buckley, Faculty member, the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and communications. </p><p>Journalists from leading news organizations in the country participated. </p>
