PESHAWAR: Within the region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan, an unsettling reality has come to light — an estimated 6 to 7 million people are struggling with diabetes, and an equal number are experiencing symptoms but remain undiagnosed.
This concerning revelation was revealed by Prof. Dr. A.H. Aamir, Head of the Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Hayatabad Medical Complex, located at the Provincial capital Peshawar. His remarks were made during a one-day Master Training (Training of Trainers) session designed to enhance physicians’ proficiency in managing diabetes.
The training event, orchestrated in collaboration with the Extension of D-TALK and Insulin for Life initiative by the Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was held on Monday in Peshawar. Esteemed figures such as Director Curative DGHS-KP Dr. Saeeda and Deputy Director Dr. Abbass Khan were present as distinguished guests.
Tackling Diabetes in Pakistan
Dr. Aamir brought into focus the pervasive nature of diabetes in Pakistan as a whole, where approximately 16 to 20 percent of the population bears the burden. The implications of diabetes are severe, often culminating in kidney failure, impaired vision, and persistent pain for many affected individuals.
While serving as the Director of the Extension of D-TALK and Insulin for Life initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. A.H. Aamir underscored the central objective of this training project. The aim is to equip doctors in remote districts of the province with the skills necessary to deliver comprehensive care to diabetic patients within their respective district hospitals. This strategy is geared towards diminishing the necessity for patients to travel to Peshawar for treatment.
Dr. Aamir emphasized the substantial patient load at institutions such as Hayatabad Medical Complex, Lady Reading Hospital, and Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar. He iterated that the intention behind such training programs is to facilitate top-tier diabetes care at the doorstep of the population.
