<p>With its continuous efforts in fighting against Tuberculosis (TB), the Aga Khan University Hospital and Medical College Foundation (AKHMCF) and the Provincial TB Control Program (PTP) Sindh has signed a second MOU on 1 August 2019. This is an extension of the first MOU signed between the two parties in 2017 where access to improved drugs to overcome drug resistant TB has now been added for the benefit of patients. The Aga Khan University Hospital takes pride and is determined to expand this program to the Medical Centres located in different parts of Pakistan under this MOU. </p><div>“We are trying to take our central programs from the Stadium Road campus to our 40 outpatient Medical Centers for expanding access to the population. We are a national asset and our services remain available to the government.” Ms. Shagufta Hassan, Interim CEO, Health Services and COO Outreach Services of the Aga Khan University Hospital. She further spoke about the guiding principles of AKUH: Quality, Relevance, Impact and Access and that, “Every program we formulate and implement is based on these core principles and because TB program fits all, it is of high importance to us.”</div><div>
</div><div>Dr. Bushra Jamil, Professor & SL Chief, Internal Medicine discussing the instrumental role of the two parties in formulating this project quoted, “This Program and the partnership plays a vital role in monitoring the prevention of TB across Pakistan. It does not only treat patients, but their families are also screened who may be at a possible risk of this disease.” </div><div>
</div><div>“The Aga Khan University Hospital meets all the international benchmarks and being in partnership with this esteemed organization, the patients will be assured that the medication provided to them is of the best quality. Patients and their families trust this organization for the high quality care they provide.” Dr. Hazoora Sheikh, Director Tuberculosis Control Sindh. Dr. Sheikh further elaborated the challenges they face in order to raise awareness of cause, treatment and prevention of TB, and now, through AKUH’s reach to the population, great results could be achieved in raising such awareness. </div><div>
</div><div>Research continues to be an integral part of this partnership and various departments within the Aga Khan University Hospital: Outreach Services, Pharmacy and Nursing will play their roles in establishing TB control efforts. </div><div>
</div><div>The Aga Khan University Hospital has the largest footprint across the country. We have 290 specimen collection units and a spread of 106 cities across Pakistan and 40 outpatient Medical Centres. The Hospital is JCI accredited and the Laboratories are CAP accredited. Through our Welfare and Zakat Program, we make healthcare accessible for all. </div><div>
</div>
