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A messiah for the sick descended in Pakistan
A messiah for the sick descended in Pakistan

Express Tribune

time20-07-2025

  • Health
  • Express Tribune

A messiah for the sick descended in Pakistan

Since the Drug Pricing Policy was announced in February 2015 and had come into effect from July, which provides a method for the annual increase in the prices of drugs according to the Consumer Price Index. PHOTO: FOXNEWS It was Chaand Raat in 1976, the night before the Eid Festival following the fasting month of Ramadan, when Bashir Rustom suffered a very severe asthma attack associated with kidney and heart malfunction. He was from Mauritius and was my classmate in the third year at Dow Medical College, Karachi. Bashir was living in the hostel and was rushed to the emergency room of the Civil Hospital, which was in the same compound. He was immediately admitted in the general ward of Medical Unit – II (section B), which was on call that evening, as there was no ICU in the hospital at that time. The Professor leading Medical Unit-II (section B) had recently moved from the UK and joined the Civil Hospital. He was informed by the duty doctors about Bashir's critical condition to seek guidance for treatment. It was not expected that the Professor would come to the ward on such a special night, which is widely celebrated in Pakistan. But to everyone's amazement, he did. The ward had minimal facilities at the time. The only equipment available were oxygen cylinders and a suction machine; there was nothing to monitor the patient's oxygen levels, pulse, heart rate, etc. Laboratory tests were limited and took a long time to report, as only one hospital laboratory conducted testing for all the thirty wards. The delays were further prolonged due to reduced staffing during the Eid holidays. Upon arrival, the Professor immediately took charge of Bashir's treatment. What the staff of Medical Unit-II witnessed that night and over the following two days and two nights had never been seen before, and I doubt will ever be seen again. Even today, when I narrate this story, people find it hard to believe. The Professor positioned himself next to Bashir's bed, monitoring his condition closely. Throughout the night, he stood or sat beside him as his condition was serious, continuously treating and observing him in an effort to save his life. But Bashir's condition did not improve on Eid day, so the Professor remained in the ward, either by Bashir's bedside or in his room, a truly extraordinary happening. A Professor choosing to stay in the hospital on Eid rather than with his family was unheard of. As Bashir's condition remained unstable, the Professor continued his care through the second night. All other duty staff kept changing according to their working hours but the Professor remained in the ward. The second day of Eid dawned but Bashir's condition was still life-threatening. He was breathless with asthma, electrolytes were disturbed, kidneys were not functioning well and heart was showing mild failure. Even though the Professor was exhausted but he continued his efforts to save Bashir. During the third night he started responding to medications. Finally, on the morning of the third day, Bashir showed significant improvement and came out of the critical state and became clinically stable. Only then did the Professor leave the hospital, after providing detailed instructions for further management. Has anyone heard of a medical specialist who offered such care, even to a close relative? I am confident there is no parallel to this in the medical history of Pakistan. Who was this exceptional individual? He was Dr. Camer Vellani, the Associate Professor of Medical Unit-II at Civil Hospital, Karachi, who had recently migrated from the UK. It was said that he had been placed at Civil Hospital by the headquarters of His Highness Aga Khan to understand the dynamics of healthcare in Pakistan. There was talk that he would later lead medical services at the under-construction Aga Khan Hospital, which proved true. For me, Dr. Vellani became a role model. I started admiring not only his clinical acumen but also his extraordinary courtesy towards patients, staff and the students. His concern for patients was unparalleled. His humility, gentleness, sincerity, and unwavering respect towards all patients was unbelievable. He treated the most underprivileged and the rich alike. Even the dirty, smelly patients were examined by him with similar details without any hesitation and given time as much as he would give to anyone from the elite class. I remember hearing the chowkidars (guards) at the OPD grumbling about the 'mad Professor' who stayed alone in the OPD, seeing patients untill after 5 p.m., long after other staff had disappeared by 1 p.m. Dr. Vellani's dedication went beyond the call of his duty, as I have witnessed him giving bedpans to the patients in the ward when the lower cadre staff were unavailable and the patient had an urgent need for it. Has any medical personnel ever seen such a spectacle? One must realize that all patients in the ward were from low income groups, to whom most of the faculty members looked upon as objects of teaching and rarely ever touched them – how could they ever provide bedpan service to any patient? Once, my brother's friend Aamir Hussain asked me if there is any outstanding doctor in Civil Hospital. His younger brother, in his late 20s, had been suffering from persistent headaches that were unresponsive to treatment. He was seen by a leading medical specialist and a neurosurgeon of Karachi and both of them considered him to be a case of depression headaches, as headaches started six months after his marriage. The family was told that the young patient is probably unhappy with the marriage and has sunk in depression, which is causing these headaches. The patient and family strongly disagreed with their diagnosis but the specialists did not took out time to examine him in detail and maintained their stance. At that time, brain scan facility was not available in Pakistan and the diagnosis relied entirely on thorough physical examination, which was not done by any of the two specialists. I recommended he see Dr. Vellani. After securing an appointment, Aamir Bhai took his brother to Dr. Vellani's home on Tariq Road, where he saw only a few referred patients in the evening. They entered the consulting room of Dr. Vellani at 6.00 pm and came out at 8.30 pm with a diagnosis – a tumour in the pituitary fossa of the brain. The diagnosis was made through a meticulous clinical examination. I was amazed at the details of physical examination done, as I had not observed any of my teachers spending more than a few minutes in examining the patient. Each clinical examination conducted and its finding was recorded in a long note, which exceeded more than twenty pages. This was a serious diagnosis and required immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Vellani gave them a referral letter for the neurosurgeon who had seen the patient earlier. An early appointment with the neurosurgeon was arranged through special efforts. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeon dismissed the diagnosis of Dr. Vellani, tossed the long note into the trash in front of the family without reading it, and called Dr. Vellani a "crazy doctor" who over estimates his clinical skills. The neurosurgeon told the family that the patient does not have any brain tumour as he had no classical symptoms and signs associated with the brain tumour and reaffirmed his belief that it was simply depression that is causing headaches and the patient should be treated by a psychiatrist. Sadly, the patient's condition deteriorated over the next six months. The family tried spiritual, homeopathic and herbal treatments also, but nothing worked. As worsening continued, he developed most of the signs and symptoms of the brain tumour. The patient was again taken to a medical specialist who also referred him back to the same neurosurgeon, as he was considered the best in the city. At that point, the neurosurgeon agreed with the diagnosis of brain tumour and operated, but by then it was too late and the young man could not survive. The family and me often wondered if earlier intervention based on Dr. Vellani's diagnosis might have saved him. In another case, Dr. Vellani diagnosed a very tiny tumour, only a few mm size in the thyroid of a patient, just by palpation and referred the patient for the radioactive Iodine Scan to diagnose suspicious cancer. At that time, the scan was done only at the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, where the Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department refused to believe that any doctor could ever palpate such a small tumour. But fortunately, to prove his point he agreed to do the scan and the tumour was detected. The patient received timely treatment and recovered well. In a few years, Dr. Vellani left Civil Hospital and began leading the small medical team that led the foundation for the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). I had graduated and was hired to initiate the outpatient services at the Filter Clinic, which was later named as the Community Health Center. One Sunday morning, my mother complained of unusual chest pain on the back, which she was experiencing from several hours. She took some pain killers for it but had no relief. There were no other associated signs such as radiation to arm or nausea and vomiting. I called Dr. Vellani for advice and he told me to bring her to the AKUH, where he would meet us within 30 minutes. The hospital was close to my home and we reached the AKUH within few minutes and he arrived soon. On arrival, Dr. Vellani examined her and also conducted the ECG himself, which revealed ischaemic changes indicating a mild heart attack. At that time, only limited outpatient services were functioning at AKUH under my care, hence I inquired where to shift my mother. He in his usual calm and soft tone, said, 'We will manage her here." I was surprised on this response as the in-patient services of the hospital had not started functioning till then. He moved her to the area where ICU facilities were available and made the required arrangements. He himself set up the area for her care, which had the bed, monitors, oxygen facility, me as the attending doctor and nursing staff. The blood samples were sent to the laboratory for the tests and my mother was given the required medicines and oxygen. Dr. Vellani decided to leave when blood reports arrived and my mother's chest pain settled. The entire process from his arrival to departure took almost three hours. I walked down with him towards the parking area, discussing the prognosis of my mother, her treatment plan and to thank him for this very special favour to me. I was stunned, when I saw his wife and daughters sitting in the car. They were dressed up for an occasion and waiting for him. At that point I learned then that they were en route to a faculty member's son's wedding when Dr. Vellani stopped at the hospital to see my mother. I just could not believe as he neither mentioned the occasion nor expressed any urgency during the entire process of setting up the treatment facility for my mother. What was further more unbelievable was the calm, with which his family waited in the car for three hours. In all my years in medicine, I have never encountered anyone with clinical skills or compassion comparable to Dr. Camer Vellani. There are many more examples of his clinical brilliance and humility towards the patients and their families, but I believe the above are enough to affirm that he has been an incomparable medical professional in Pakistan; and may be one of the few in the world. I have always felt very blessed that my clinical training and understanding of patient care was by someone as extraordinary as Dr. Camer Vellani – a Messiah. Dr. Arjumand Faisel MBBS, MCPS, MPH, FCPS is a leading Public Health Specialist in Pakistan. He graduated in 1979 from Dow Medical College and has served at the Aga Khan University, USAID/Islamabad and WHO/EMRO. He has been a Consultant for the World Bank, ADB, LSHTM and many other INGOs and NGOs for public health programmes.

Live art, Eid festival, and club night make for triple weekend fun
Live art, Eid festival, and club night make for triple weekend fun

Yahoo

time20-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Live art, Eid festival, and club night make for triple weekend fun

A trio of community events - an Eid festival, a live art event, and a club night harking back to a musical "golden era" - took place last weekend. The events were delivered by The Leap, the community-led arts and culture programme covering the Bradford district. One of the events was the Bradford Eid Festival. Held in Peel Park, the festival attracted more than 35,000 people and featured food, music, and dance, as well as craft stalls, Nasheed singers, henna artists, and storytelling areas. The Leap's UK-Pakistan Truck Art Project, an art installation blending traditional Pakistani truck art with contemporary, local designs, also featured. At the Bradford Eid Festival in Peel Park, visitors were able to engage with The Leap's UK-Pakistan Truck Art Project, which sees traditional Pakistani truck art blended with contemporary designs (Image: Supplied) The project was developed by artists from both the UK and Pakistan, working with young people and families in BD3. Another event that took place was Statuesque, hosted at The Beacon in Bowling Park. The live art event saw Naomi Parker and her troupe, known as Chicks on Sticks, perform as living statues. The event, which was created in collaboration with local schools and emerging artists, also included craft workshops and a carnival parade. A Bhangra Legacy Daytimers event, organised by Moss Sheikh and Mick Chandsoor, also took place during the weekend. Daytimers DJs from the 1980s and 1990s were present at a Bhangra Legacy Daytimers event, organised by Moss Sheikh and Mick Chandsoor, which mixed archival footage, live performances, and DJ sets (Image: Supplied) It celebrated the "golden era" of Bradford's South Asian club scene with DJ sets, archive footage, and live performances. Daytimers DJs from the 1980s and 1990s were present. Zulfiqar Ahmed, director of The Leap, said: "This weekend was Bradford at its best – creative, bold, and connected. "Every event, from the beats of Daytimers to the stunning Pakistani truck art, showed what's possible when culture is led by the people who live it every day. The Bhangra Legacy Daytimers event commemorated the 'golden era' of Bradford's South Asian club scene (Image: Supplied) "The Truck Art project, in particular, was a proud moment – blending heritage and innovation in a way that only Bradford can." Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: "It was a great weekend. "Wonderful to see so many local people out enjoying cultural activities on their doorstep. "It's exactly what we wanted the Creative People and Places programme to do through The Leap - bringing opportunities to enjoy arts and culture to the people, rather than expecting them to search it out. "The council is pleased to support the investment in The Leap, which has enabled the Arts Council to invest significantly in the organisation since its foundation." The Leap is funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Council as part of the Creative People and Places network.

Council issues heat warning ahead of Northampton Eid festival
Council issues heat warning ahead of Northampton Eid festival

BBC News

time20-06-2025

  • Climate
  • BBC News

Council issues heat warning ahead of Northampton Eid festival

A council has urged people to bring plenty of water and sun cream to its annual Eid festival. Northampton Town Council warned people visiting the event at Becket's Park on Sunday to take care as temperatures rise over the festival will take place between 12:00 and 18:00 Fun Dog Show was also due to take place on Sunday, but has been cancelled because of the hot weather. Jamal Alwahabi, chair of the Eid management committee, said: "We warmly invite everyone to join us at the Northampton Eid Festival in Becket's Park. This is a day of celebration for both the Muslim community and the wider community."It's an opportunity for us all to get together in the spirit of friendship and peace. At the event there will be lots of stalls, plenty of cultural food and entertainment for all the family."Northamptonshire Police will also be holding a StaySafe4Summer event on Saturday. It will take place at Northampton's Market Square with members of the emergency services, life-saving charities, health experts and sports teams organisations aim to share safety advice, activities and opportunities to help young people and their families have a safe summer. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Canada promises to boost defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier
Canada promises to boost defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier

Straits Times

time09-06-2025

  • Business
  • Straits Times

Canada promises to boost defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier

FILE PHOTO: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) Eid Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle/File Photo TORONTO - Canada's Liberal government will pour extra billions into its armed forces and hit NATO's 2% military spending target this fiscal year, five years earlier than promised, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday. Canada has been under pressure from the United States and other NATO allies for years to increase military funding. Canada currently spends about 1.4% of GDP on defense. "Now is the time to act with urgency, force, and determination," Carney said in a speech in Toronto, reiterating promises to work more closely with Europe's defense industry. Carney won the April 28 election on a promise to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and also to reduce the country's military reliance on Washington. Carney said another reason for Ottawa to act was what he called the decision by the United States to gradually withdraw from the concept of collective security. "Rising great powers are now in strategic competition with America. A new imperialism threatens. Middle powers compete for interests and attention, knowing that if they are not at the table, they will be on the menu," he said. The previous Liberal government last year formally committed to hit the NATO target by 2032. During the election campaign Carney pledged to get to 2% by 2030. Canada will boost pay for the armed forces and buy new submarines, aircraft, ships, armed vehicles and artillery, as well as new radar, drones and sensors to monitor the sea floor and the Arctic, Carney said. "The transformation of our military capabilities can help transform our economy," he said. Officials are due to give more details of the plan before Carney speaks to the media at 1 p.m. Eastern Time (1700 GMT). REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Canada promises to ramp up defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier
Canada promises to ramp up defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier

Straits Times

time09-06-2025

  • Business
  • Straits Times

Canada promises to ramp up defense spending, meet NATO target much earlier

FILE PHOTO: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) Eid Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle/File Photo TORONTO - Canada's Liberal government will pour extra billions into its armed forces and hit NATO's 2% military spending target this fiscal year, much earlier than scheduled, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday. Canada has been under heavy pressure from the United States and other NATO allies for years to increase funding for its military. Canada currently spends about 1.4% of GDP on defense. "Now is the time to act with urgency, force, and determination," Carney said in a speech in Toronto. The previous Liberal governent had promised to hit the NATO target by 2032. Canada will boost pay for the armed forces and buy new submarines, aircraft, ships, armed vehicles and artillery, as well as new radar, drones and sensors to monitor the sea floor and the Arctic, Carney said. (Reporting by Wa Lone, writing by David Ljunggren, editing by Promit Mukherjee) ((Reuters Ottawa editorial; Keywords: CANADA POLITICS/DEFENSE REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

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