Latest news with #PGLDS
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Concern raised over shortage of female gastroenterologists
KARACHI: A severe shortage of trained and qualified female gastroenterologists in Pakistan is contributing to delayed diagnoses and poor health outcomes for women suffering from gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as many are reluctant to consult male doctors due to cultural and social barriers. This concern was raised on the second day of the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS), where experts warned that women across rural and urban areas are silently enduring serious health issues that are often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. They called for a national colorectal cancer screening program, especially for women, who due to the sensitivities involved and lack of female doctors, frequently present in advanced stages when treatment becomes more difficult. Speaking at the conference here at Liaquat National Hospital's convention centre, local and international specialists called for urgent public health reforms, including screening programs, dietary awareness, and structural changes in homes and schools to prevent a looming health crisis. Dr Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS, reiterated the call for early detection and lifestyle change. 'We are facing a tsunami of fatty liver, hepatitis C, and colorectal cancer. It's time people took screening seriously. Medicines for Hepatitis B and C are available in Pakistan, but most people do not know they are infected. We urge everyone to get tested and follow medical advice.' Without national programs for screening and chronic illness prevention, she warned, the health system will collapse under the weight of non-communicable diseases. Dr Nazish Butt, a senior member of PGLDS, emphasised the rising burden of obesity and gut health issues in women. She noted that poor diets, sedentary routines, and hormonal factors were making women more vulnerable to gastrointestinal and liver disorders. 'We are seeing more young women with advanced liver disease and GI cancers because they delay seeking help.' Dr Sajjad Jamil, Secretary General of PGLDS, blamed obesity as the 'mother of all illnesses' and criticised the country's deteriorating dietary culture. 'Children start consuming sugary drinks, processed meat and junk food from an early age. There's no physical activity in schools, no playgrounds, and too much screen time. We are nurturing disease.' He demanded immediate implementation of a national colorectal cancer screening program and school-based awareness campaigns promoting healthy eating and exercise. International experts highlighted the importance of preventive approaches. South Korean expert Prof Eun Young Kim shared how her country controls liver and GI diseases through regular screenings, national health insurance, and diet and activity awareness. 'What we see here is preventable. Governments must invest in health promotion, not just treatment.' Dr Shahid Ahmed, Patron of PGLDS, said the conference aimed to equip local healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and treatment options. 'We've invited experts from South Korea, Turkey, South Africa and beyond to present and train our young doctors on how the world is addressing these diseases.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Experts warn obesity resulting in many diseases
KARACHI: Calling obesity a full-blown epidemic that has engulfed Pakistan in recent years, leading gastroenterologists and liver specialists have warned that excess body weight is now the leading cause of fatty liver disease, liver failure, and a major reason for the rising demand for liver transplants in the country. Urging people to adopt healthy eating habits and become physically active to avoid premature deaths and costly medical interventions, experts also warned that unhealthy lifestyles and obesity are contributing to an alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases among the relatively young population in Pakistan. They were speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS) at a local hotel, which brought together local and international experts despite ongoing global unrest. Dr Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS, stressed that obesity is now deeply intertwined with fatty liver disease and a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. 'While we now have new medications available for obesity and fatty liver, prevention is still the best strategy. We must eat less but healthy and stay physically active,' she said, while also pointing to a sharp increase in colorectal cancer among young adults, which she linked to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. 'We need to immediately launch a national colorectal screening program in Pakistan before this silent threat claims more lives.' Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch welcomed delegates from across the country and acknowledged the serious challenges patients face in accessing GI and liver care. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
