Latest news with #NaveedAhmed
Web Release
15-07-2025
- Health
- Web Release
14-Year-Old Sudanese Boy Saved from Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Condition at Aster Hospital Mankhool
Aster Hospital Mankhool, ranked No. 4 on Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals in the UAE list for 2025, successfully treated a 14-year-old Sudanese boy, Mazin Muntassir Hassan, for a rare congenital heart condition that had gone undetected since birth and could have proved fatal if left untreated. The patient was under the care of Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics UAE and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool. Mazin was brought to Aster Hospital after experiencing persistent fatigue, a blackout episode, and elevated blood pressure, symptoms highly unusual for his age. An initial cardiac assessment revealed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, prompting advanced imaging, including ECG, echocardiogram, and CT aortography. These tests confirmed the presence of coarctation of the aorta, a congenital condition where the aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the body is abnormally narrowed. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a relatively common congenital heart defect in children, accounting for about 4-6% of all congenital heart defects, according to Wolters Kluwer. It is estimated to occur in about 1 out of every 2900 live births.(1_2) Prenatal diagnosis of CoA is possible but challenging, with a low detection rate for isolated cases before birth.(3) CoA is more prevalent in males than females, affecting a higher percentage of male births.(4) While CoA is relatively common among congenital heart defects, diagnosis in adolescence age like Mazin's is extremely unusual. This condition is most often detected in infancy or early childhood. It is extremely rare to diagnose coarctation of the aorta at the age of 14, as was the case with Mazin, making this a highly uncommon presentation. Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics, UAE, and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool, said 'Coarctation of the aorta is typically diagnosed during infancy or early childhood. It's extremely rare to catch it this late, and had it gone unnoticed for a few more years, it could have led to permanent hypertension, heart failure, or even stroke. While the procedure itself was technically smooth due to precise pre-procedural planning based on CT imaging, the true complexity of this case lies in the delayed diagnosis. Identifying and successfully treating the condition in adolescence after years of being missed made it both clinically challenging and unique.' Instead of open-heart surgery, the cardiology team opted for a minimally invasive coarctoplasty with stent placement, performed via the femoral artery. The outcome was excellent, and Mazin is expected to return to a full and active life. The minimally invasive procedure involved the insertion of a balloon-mounted stent to open the narrowed section of the aorta. This approach avoids open surgery, reduces hospital stay, and ensures faster recovery, all of which proved vital for a young, active patient. Mazin's blood pressure normalized post-procedure, and he experienced a noticeable improvement in his energy levels, resuming his daily activities within a day. He is anticipated to return to sports and full physical activity within the next 4-6 weeks. If this condition had remained undetected for a few more years, it could have led to irreversible complications such as chronic hypertension, elevated stroke risk, heart failure, and significantly reduced life expectancy. With timely intervention, Mazin is now expected to lead a normal life with routine follow-ups. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mazin said, 'Before the treatment, I felt tired all the time and couldn't play or do normal things like other kids. Now I feel healthy and strong again. I'm so grateful to Dr. Naveed and the team at Aster Hospital Mankhool for helping me get my life back.' His mother and brother, who accompanied him during treatment, also expressed deep gratitude towards Dr. Naveed and the entire medical and nursing staff for their care, compassion, and professionalism throughout the journey. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and advanced medical capabilities in preventing long-term complications from congenital conditions. Aster Hospital Mankhool continues to stand at the forefront of specialized cardiac care in the region, delivering life-changing interventions through innovation, expertise, and patient-centered care. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
14-Year-Old Sudanese Boy Saved from Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Condition at Aster Hospital Mankhool - Middle East Business News and Information
Aster Hospital Mankhool, ranked No. 4 on Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals in the UAE list for 2025, successfully treated a 14-year-old Sudanese boy, Mazin Muntassir Hassan, for a rare congenital heart condition that had gone undetected since birth and could have proved fatal if left untreated. The patient was under the care of Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics UAE and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool. Mazin was brought to Aster Hospital after experiencing persistent fatigue, a blackout episode, and elevated blood pressure, symptoms highly unusual for his age. An initial cardiac assessment revealed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, prompting advanced imaging, including ECG, echocardiogram, and CT aortography. These tests confirmed the presence of coarctation of the aorta, a congenital condition where the aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the body is abnormally narrowed. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a relatively common congenital heart defect in children, accounting for about 4-6% of all congenital heart defects, according to Wolters Kluwer. It is estimated to occur in about 1 out of every 2900 live births.12 Prenatal diagnosis of CoA is possible but challenging, with a low detection rate for isolated cases before birth.3 CoA is more prevalent in males than females, affecting a higher percentage of male births.4 While CoA is relatively common among congenital heart defects, diagnosis in adolescence age like Mazin's is extremely unusual. This condition is most often detected in infancy or early childhood. It is extremely rare to diagnose coarctation of the aorta at the age of 14, as was the case with Mazin, making this a highly uncommon presentation. Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics, UAE, and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool, said 'Coarctation of the aorta is typically diagnosed during infancy or early childhood. It's extremely rare to catch it this late, and had it gone unnoticed for a few more years, it could have led to permanent hypertension, heart failure, or even stroke. While the procedure itself was technically smooth due to precise pre-procedural planning based on CT imaging, the true complexity of this case lies in the delayed diagnosis. Identifying and successfully treating the condition in adolescence after years of being missed made it both clinically challenging and unique.' Instead of open-heart surgery, the cardiology team opted for a minimally invasive coarctoplasty with stent placement, performed via the femoral artery. The outcome was excellent, and Mazin is expected to return to a full and active life. The minimally invasive procedure involved the insertion of a balloon-mounted stent to open the narrowed section of the aorta. This approach avoids open surgery, reduces hospital stay, and ensures faster recovery, all of which proved vital for a young, active patient. Mazin's blood pressure normalized post-procedure, and he experienced a noticeable improvement in his energy levels, resuming his daily activities within a day. He is anticipated to return to sports and full physical activity within the next 4-6 weeks. If this condition had remained undetected for a few more years, it could have led to irreversible complications such as chronic hypertension, elevated stroke risk, heart failure, and significantly reduced life expectancy. With timely intervention, Mazin is now expected to lead a normal life with routine follow-ups. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mazin said, 'Before the treatment, I felt tired all the time and couldn't play or do normal things like other kids. Now I feel healthy and strong again. I'm so grateful to Dr. Naveed and the team at Aster Hospital Mankhool for helping me get my life back.' His mother and brother, who accompanied him during treatment, also expressed deep gratitude towards Dr. Naveed and the entire medical and nursing staff for their care, compassion, and professionalism throughout the journey. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and advanced medical capabilities in preventing long-term complications from congenital conditions. Aster Hospital Mankhool continues to stand at the forefront of specialized cardiac care in the region, delivering life-changing interventions through innovation, expertise, and patient-centered care.
Arab News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at all Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate
QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed all major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday. The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district, the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, the Chedgi and Jirrak crossings in Panjgur district and the Rideeg Mand crossing in Kech district. All are key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. 'All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan border has been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,' Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News. Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice. In a separate order, authorities also said the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district had been closed for pedestrian traffic. 'We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,' said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual. The Chedgi, Jirrak and Mand Radig border crossings have also been shut, officials in the Kech and Panjgur districts confirmed. The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders. The blockade is expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits. Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes. Bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion. Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.
Arab News
15-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate
QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed two major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday. The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, both key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing is a point on the Iran-Pakistan border, specifically at 'BP-250,' the second crossing along the 900-kilometer border between the two countries. The crossing facilitates trade and people-to-people contact between Iran and Pakistan. 'All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan-250 border have been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,' Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News. Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice. In a separate order, authorities also closed the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district for pedestrian traffic. 'We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,' said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual. The closures are expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits. Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes. The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders. The bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion. Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
APTMA demands immediate removal of yarn, fabric from EFS
KARACHI: All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the government to immediately remove yarn and fabric from the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), warning that their continued inclusion is jeopardising the domestic textile industry and distorting fair market competition. Addressing a press conference at APTMA House here on Tuesday, Kamran Arshad Chairman APTMA said that inclusion of Yarn and Fabric in the EFS has resulted in unfair market competition as the domestic industry products are paying 18 percent GST, while importers are enjoying tax-free and duty-free regime. He said that Pakistan Cotton Brokers Association (PCBA) and Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and many other textile associations are supporting APTM's move. APTMA for removing yarn & fabric from ambit of EFS On the occasion, Naveed Ahmed, Chairman of APTMA Southern Zone, Khawaja Muhammad Zubair, Chairman PCBA and Dr Jassu Mal PCGA, Yasin Siddik former chairman APTMA, Asif Inam and others were also present. 'FY25 budget removed sales tax exemption on local inputs under EFS; however, imports are sales tax-free and duty-free. This move is directly hurting the domestic industry', Kamran Arshad He mentioned that some 18 percent sales tax on local inputs is refundable, but refunds are delayed, incomplete, and costly to process, especially disadvantageous to SMEs. Due to this disparity, over 120 spinning mills and 800 ginning factories have already shut down; looms are also closing and loom workers are protesting on streets in Faisalabad. SMEs are specifically disadvantaged as they have fewer channels for import and pay sales taxes at every stage. In addition, only 60 to 70 percent of refunds are issued, while the rest are stuck in manual processing with no progress in the last 4-5 years, he added. 'Due to cheap import of yarn and fabric, exporters strongly prefer imported inputs, resulting in disadvantageous local suppliers.' There is a massive $1.5 billion increase in import of only cotton, yarn and greige cloth compared to export growth of $1.4 billion in FY25. The import of these items rose from $2.19 billion in FY24 to $3.64 billion in FY25, he mentioned. Chairman APTMA said that subjecting local supplies to 18 percent sales tax while bestowing zero rating on imports is an anti-Pakistan policy that is bleeding the economy within. He informed that APTMA has pushed as much as it can for restoration of the EFS to its June 2024 position with sales tax zero-rating on local supplies. 'We have held meetings with the Minister Finance, Chairman and Members FBR, IMF representatives; however, the IMF has not agreed to restoration.' He said a high-level committee was also formed led by Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives of Pakistan for negotiation with IMF; however, the meeting could not hold. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
