Latest news with #PIMS
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Two-day academic fest in Puducherry draws contestants from 35 medical colleges
Students from 35 medical colleges across the country participated in the recently-concluded inter-collegiate academic festival hosted by the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). 'Equinox'25' featured a diverse range of academic activities, such as workshops (Surgery, ECG, Orthopaedics, Emergency medicine, etc), quiz contest, clinicopathologic correlation, clinical case presentations, and research paper presentations. These events were curated to enhance clinical reasoning, encourage scientific discussion, and build essential academic skills among participants, a press note said. Satish Kumar Amarnath, renowned Bengaluru-based microbiologist was the key speaker and Mathew Cherian, interventional radiologist from Kovai Medical Hospital, the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. The two-day event was organised by a team led by Renu G'boy Varghese, Director-Principal of PIMS, Nayyar Iqbal, organising chairperson, Nishanth Rajan, Vice-Principal and Divyansh Phartyal and Lokshana, students who served as academic secretaries.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Capital battles pollen with tree overhaul
To control the spread of pollen allergy, male Paper Mulberry trees will be removed from residential areas by December. PHOTO: EXPRESS As pre-monsoon clouds gather over the Margalla Hills, another kind of storm is unfolding in the capital — one driven by chainsaws, excavators, and urgent environmental action. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is racing to remove thousands of paper mulberry trees from Islamabad ahead of their next bloom to prevent a repeat of springtime health crises. Islamabad, long celebrated for its greenery, is now rethinking its urban landscape. The fast-growing Broussonetia papyrifera, or paper mulberry, was heavily planted in the 1960s to shape the city's verdant image. However, the tree has since become one of the leading causes of severe seasonal allergies. "We're not just cutting treeswe're saving lives," said CDA Environment Director Irfan Niazi. "This is one of the most important environmental health initiatives in the city's history." Each spring, male mulberry trees release immense quantities of airborne pollen, triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions in thousands of residents. According to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), over 12,000 allergy patients are treated annually due to mulberry pollen, with emergency rooms reporting a 30% spike in asthma cases. "If we don't remove a critical number of these trees before the next flowering cycle, we'll face another health disaster next year," said Akhtar Rasool from CDA's Horticulture Department. The CDA's tree removal drive, launched last year, has entered an accelerated phase. Targeted operations are underway in sectors such as G-6, G-7, F-6, and F-8, where the density of mulberry trees is highest. Each tree is GPS-tagged, assessed for size and location, and only male trees are removed. Removal activities are being documented for transparency. Work crews, clad in safety gear, operate daily to cut, chip, and transport the trees. The campaign is supported by traffic and safety teams to maintain public order and protect infrastructure. Critically, for every tree removed, the CDA is planting at least 10 native, low-allergen species such as phulai (Acacia modesta), amaltas (Cassia fistula), sukh chain (Dalbergia sissoo), and wild olive (Olea ferruginea). These species support biodiversity, provide shade, and do not release harmful airborne pollen. "These trees are either insect-pollinated or produce heavy pollen, making them safer for public health," said CDA botanist Rana Kashif. He added that CDA nurseries are cultivating over 100,000 saplings this year, with mass plantation planned during the monsoon season. At Polyclinic Hospital, where allergy cases have surged for years, Medical Officer Dr. Swaira welcomed the move. "We've seen patients develop chronic asthma from repeated exposure. With these removals, we hope for a measurable decline in cases by 2026." Hospitals like PIMS and Polyclinic have established dedicated allergy clinics, expanded emergency capacity during peak pollen months, and are coordinating with CDA to monitor health impacts.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business Recorder
Islamabad witnesses surge in heinous crimes
ISLAMABAD: The capital city witnessed a surge in heinous crimes over the past week, with three cases of murder, a case of custodial torture and a case of domestic violence. According to data gathered by Business Recorder through registered First Information Reports (FIR), four murders were reported, including the custodial death of a suspect, while a young woman who was allegedly set on fire by her husband and father-in-law also succumbed to her injuries during the same period. In addition to the murder cases, 31 incidents of auto theft were reported, including four car thefts and 27 motorcycle thefts. The city also saw eight cases of street crime involving armed mobile snatching and cash theft, as well as five robberies where citizens were deprived of valuables. Several police jurisdictions have emerged as hotspots for criminal activity, including Ramna, Sabzi Mandi, Aabpara, Margalla, and Bhara Kahu police stations. Residents in these areas have expressed concern over the boldness with which criminal elements appear to be operating. One of the most shocking incidents was the death of 28-year-old Sania Bibi, a mother of an 11-month-old baby, who died at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after battling severe burn injuries. According to her legal counsel, Sania was allegedly set ablaze by her husband Aadil Mehmood and his father on June 8, following ongoing domestic disputes. She had been married to Aadil for nearly two years. In another grim case, a suspect identified as Noman Khan died in police custody at Tarnol police station after reportedly being subjected to brutal torture. Police picked up Noman from Mianwali on July 10 in connection with a murder investigation and brought him to Islamabad. According to sources, he was moved from the lock-up to an interrogation room around 9:50pm, where three officials — including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable — allegedly tortured him. His condition deteriorated upon returning to the lock-up, prompting other detainees to shout for help. Police sources confirmed that the station clerk (Moharrar) and a constable rushed to the scene and found clear marks of torture on Noman's body. He was shifted to a hospital after 2:00am on July 11 but died en route. Before his death, Noman reportedly named his torturers, including the ASI and two others. A case has since been registered against SHO Shaoukat Mehmood, Moharrar, Investigation Officer Rana Asalam, and three constables of the Tarnol police station. In the same period, Ramna police registered two cases each of motor vehicle theft and street crime, one case of murder and three cases of auto theft reported to Sabzi Mandi police station and another two cases each of street crime and auto theft were reported to Aabpara police station. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Federal capital: Timely completion of emergency, cancer hospital project directed
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Mustafa Kamal Tuesday directed the officials and other concerned quarters for timely completion of under construction emergency and cancer hospital project in the federal capital as well as installation of MRI machine at Polyclinic Hospital. During his visit to the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), the minister directed fast-tracking of cancer hospital construction with increased workforce and double shifts. In a decisive move to enhance diagnostic capacity, Kamal instructed the immediate installation of an MRI machine at Polyclinic Hospital. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the provision of quality healthcare services to the public at all costs, stating, "Access to timely and quality medical care is a fundamental right of every citizen." During the visit, Kamal ordered comprehensive feasibility and master plan for old Polyclinic hospital building upgradation with modern Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system integration. During the visit, the minister was accompanied by Federal Secretary of Health Syed Waqarul Hassan. The visit was aimed at reviewing healthcare facilities and service delivery at one of the capital's key public sector hospitals. The health minister conducted a thorough inspection of all hospital departments and evaluated the services being provided to the patients. He visited the medical wards, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and dialysis centre, where he received briefings on the current infrastructure and operational status. The executive director of Polyclinic provided a detailed presentation on the hospital's facilities and areas requiring immediate improvement. While acknowledging the efforts of the staff, Mustafa Kamal directed that 20 additional beds be added to the dermatology and psychiatry departments located at G-7/3-4 to cater to the growing patient load. He also ordered the development of a comprehensive feasibility plan for upgrading the old building of Polyclinic Hospital, incorporating a modern HVAC. The minister emphasised that this should be aligned with a holistic service delivery improvement plan to ensure better healthcare outcomes for the public. Later, the federal health minister visited the under-construction New Emergency Block at PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), where he assessed the pace of construction work. He was briefed by the executive director of PIMS and officials from Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP). The briefing highlighted that the new emergency facility would have a capacity of 200 beds. Minister Kamal directed the PIMS administration and IDAP to immediately prepare a comprehensive project presentation, including a clear timeline and details of all challenges. 'I must be briefed on all obstacles faced by the project, along with deadlines for completion,' he said. He assured that any challenges falling under the ministry's jurisdiction would be resolved on an urgent basis, and tasks assigned to other stakeholders must be executed on a fast-track basis. He stressed that the new emergency project is directly linked to saving human lives and that swift completion and operationalisation is a national priority. He also directed that the hospital's sewage treatment system be upgraded to meet quality standards, and emphasised that the provision of clean drinking water remains a top priority of the ministry. Concluding his visit, Mustafa Kamal proceeded to inspect the under-construction Cancer Hospital in Islamabad. The project director provided a briefing on the facility, which will be a 200-bed hospital equipped with advanced healthcare technologies. It was shared that the hospital will also feature a PET Scan facility, a major advancement in cancer diagnostics and treatment. The minister called for a detailed and time-bound presentation on the project and asked to be informed of all existing challenges. To speed up construction, he instructed an increase in the number of labourers and engineers, and directed that work be carried out in double shifts to meet deadlines. 'These projects are not just infrastructure they are a promise to the people of Pakistan. We are determined to deliver on this promise with urgency, efficiency, and full transparency,' Kamal concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
CPWD sets region-wise targets to train 30,000 workers by 2026-27
NEW DELHI: The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has set a separate target for all 17 regional offices to upskill workers in the next year as part of a nationwide drive to enhance the capabilities of its workforce. The move follows an announcement by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal to expand training initiatives for workers engaged in CPWD projects. Targets have been fixed with directions to link the progress to the Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR) of officials to ensure their accountability. The agency plans to train 30,000 workers by 2026-27 and for the current financial year, the goal is to train 12,500. Each regional office has been asked to plan a timeline to achieve the target and inform the Directorate at the earliest. 'The target should be given CE/SE (Chief Engineers/ Superintending Engineers) wise along with name of the work. ..the training details is also to be entered in PIMS (Personnel Information Management System) portal, the same should also be field immediately ...The MoHUA (ministry of housing and urban affairs) has directed to link the skilled training targets with APAR of the concerned officer so that training of the skilling is to be carried out without fail,' read a circular sent to all regional units.
