Saturday, April 23, 2011

Prof S.M. Awais ( Sitara-e-Imtiaz )

Prof S.M. Awais ( Sitara-e-Imtiaz )
Prof S.M. Awais ( Sitara-e-Imtiaz )
Syed Muhammad Awais was born on 10th December, 1955 at Sialkot, Pakistan. His father Syed Mushtaq Hussain was a Government Servant. Awais completed his primary education at Karachi, Higher Secondary School Education at Gujranwala (1972). Graduate Medical Education from Nishtar Medical College, Multan (1979), and Post Graduate Education in Surgery from College of Physician and Surgeons of Pakistan 1982, Masters in Orthopedic Surgery from Punjab University, Lahore (1985), M.Sc. Bio-Engineering from Dundee University, U.K. (1987). Dr. Syed Muhammad Awais started house Job on 16-11-1978. He joined Government Service as Demonstrator Anatomy, Rawalpindi Medical College on   09-03-1980. He became Registrar, Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Hospital, Lahore on 24-07-1980, Senior Registrar, Mayo Hospital on 18-04-1983, Assistant Professor, Orthopedic Surgery at King Edward Medical College on 20-04-1986, Associate Professor at King Edward Medical College on 12-04-1989 and became Professor of Orthopedic Surgery on 12-01-1995 (on regular basis). He has worked as Prof. at Postgraduate Medical Institute, Allama Iqbal medical College and is now working at KEMC, Lahore
As a Researcher; He has to his credit development of new devices and techniques in Pakistan Bone Lengthening Device used in the country and abroad as Naseer Awais Fixato (NA-Fixator). This device has been published in Principles and Practice of Surgery by Baily & Love published from U.K. (The largest selling book on surgery in the world) (2) Modular Ankle Foot Orthosis for cerebral palsy children, (3) Custom-Made Total Hip, Total Knee and Shoulder Prosthesis, (4) Wooden L-Board used for Gait Training of Paraplegics, (5) Indigenous Halo Pelvic Distraction Apparatus for Difficult Spinal Problems, (6) Solid Nail for Tibia Fractures and (7) Technique and Apparatus for elongation of Peripheral Nerve Defect. All devices were designed and manufactured in Pakistan. He supervised and co-supervised more than 40 research projects leading to Dissertations of CPSP and Master of Surgery (M.S.) Thesis of Punjab University. He has contributed more than 45 research papers and other publications to different Medical Journals and Books. He has five Longitudinal Research Projects in Epidemiology, Experimental and Clinical Research.
In 2004 he has been selected by WHO , Geneva as resource person for two projects; (i) development of Patient Management and tracking program for Orthopaedic patients and (ii) improvement of surgical care through e-learning for which Pakistan has been elected as a pilot country.
As an Educator He has been regularly involved in education courses of Diploma in Physiotherapy and Diploma in Orthopedic Technology of Orthopedic Technicians, MBBS for medical students, FCPS (Ortho) and MS (Ortho) Courses. He is author of Training Program for Orthopedic Surgeons in Pakistan (approved and practiced by CPSP – 1990 and University of Punjab - 2001)
He has experience of coordinating curriculum committees of the University of Punjab for uplifting and modernizing 43 postgraduate courses of MD/MS/MDS/M.Phil in different subjects.  He is author of common guidelines of B.Sc. honors programs (2004) of medical technologists at University of Punjab.
Prof. M. Awais was member of National Task Force on Nursing Education established by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (2004). He is representative of University of Punjab for collaboration project on postgraduate education program with university of Brussels, Belgium.
Prof. Syed M. Awais has the honor of working as member of the Chancellor’s Consultative Group for Reforming Education in Public Universities of the Punjab. He is assisting the Governor Punjab in bringing.     

Higher Education Reforms in Punjab.
Prof. Syed M. Awais has played important role in organizing six National Seminars on postgraduate Medical Education during 2001 to 2003 in different Universities of Pakistan and developed National Consensus recommendations on the Guide Lines to revise Curriculum for Postgraduate Medical Education.
He has given Post Graduate Training as Supervisor/Co-Supervisor to more than 40 doctors for FCPS and MS courses in Orthopaedic Surgery. He was trained in (i) curriculum planning and development (ii) Effective Teaching and (iii) Assessments in Medical Education in University of Dundee in 1987.
He has organized 30 National/International Conferences/Workshops/Seminars/Courses. He has extensively traveled abroad (for more than 40 times) as invited speaker/visiting Fellow/visiting Professor and as a participant in Scientific Conferences/Seminars. (Never sponsored by any pharmaceutical or businessgroup)
As a Clinician He has National and International recognition in his major areas of interest i.e. Spine, Pelvis, Limb Salvage in Bone Tumors, Limb Lengthening/Bone Segment Transport, Rehabilitation Surgery, Orthotics and Prosthetics and Biomechanics.
He runs a Bone Tumor Management Services where Limb Salvage is carried out. The mega prosthesis in this service are designed and developed in Pakistan and are provided free to the patients.
As Editor, other than being a member of various editorial boards he was editor of KEMC Bulletin and was Chief Editor, Journal of Pakistan Orthopaedic Association (1998-2001) and 92003-2004) and is member Editorial Board (2004-2007). He is Assistant Editor of International Orthopaedics published six (6) times a year from Belgium (2000- to date), which is an official Journal of International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. In 2000 he was elected as Editor-in-Chief of Punjab University Journal of Medical Sciences. He is Chairman of Journals Committee of PMDC. He is Principal author of the document PMDC Guide Lines for Editors of Medical and dental Journals and member of the Council of Science Editors, USA. He has written extensively on different topics of Orthopaedic Surgery, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education, Reforms and Restructuring of the Health Care Systems in Pakistan, the early experience of Autonomy in Medical Teaching Institutions. He is member/fellow of eleven (11) National and eight (8) International Associations/Societies dedicated to research and Education and service in medical field.
As Social Worker;
He is actively contributing in areas of Rehabilitation of Physically and Mentally Disabled, Accident & Injury Prevention, Health Care Education, Management of Orthopaedic Problems and has contributed in improving hospital services. In all Public Hospitals where he has worked, enormous restorations and uplifting were carried out through private donors. He has so far arranged private donations of more than Rs. Twenty (20) Millions for uplifting of the Govt. hospitals and to provide treatment facilities to poor patients.  For poor patients from outside Lahore he conducts Free Camps.
He is Technical Advisor to (i) Okara welfare Trust Hospital Okara since 1993. This charity hospital has grown into a full-fledged facility for modern Orthopaedic treatment services. (ii) Alrae Trust Hospital, Gujranwala. He conducts 4-6 Free Camps per year at out reach areas with other voluntary doctors.
He has also contributed in accomplishing followings through private donations;
1.New Operation Theatres at Services hospital Lahore. 1998 (approx four millions).
2.Internet Library at PGMI 1998   (1.5 Lacs)
3.Free food for all poor patients of the Orthopaedic wards at Jinnah hospital and Mayo hospital Lahore, 1999 to 2003.
4.Free medicines and Implants to poor patients at Mayo hospital, Services hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Mayo hospital (1995 to date) during tenures of his postings.
5.Uplifting of Operation Theatres at Jinnah Hospital.
6.Uplifting of Emergency OT Mayo Hospital, Lahore 2001 (one million).
7.Uplifting of Orthopaedics OPD Services at Mayo Hospital 2001 (3.5 Lacs)
8.Uplifting of Orthopaedic Ward, (2 millions)
9.Uplifting of Orthopaedic Operation Theatres (5 millions)
10.Establishment of New Education Center with 21st century educational and computer with internet facilities at Department of Orth. Surgery KEMU/MHL(3 million Rs.)
11.Strengthening of Medicines and Implants services to poor patients of ward patients (5 million per year)
12.Developed one floor of new building of Pediatric Medicine at cost of Rs. 4.0 Millions.
13.Earthquake; Established Orthopaedic Operation Theaters and Intensive Care Units at DHQ, Mansehra, and AIMS Muzafarabad. (cost 25 millions).
14.Under Construction Limb Fitting Center and Physitherapy Center at AIMS, Muzafarabad, (Rs 10 Millions)
15.Under construction Education Centers at DHQ Mansehra & AIMS Muzafarabad. (cost Rs 3 Millions).
16.Installation of Automatic Sterilizers at Ortho OT Mayo Hospital, Lahore, (Rs one Million ).(March-1006)
(He has developed a successful model of Private – Public Cooperation)
As Manager He has training and experience in Curriculum Planning and Management, Systems/Process Management, Working Group Coordination and Quality Control Standards.
He is producing every year Annual Policy Manual for the educational and clinical procedures of his department since 1998. He has arranged his own international performance audits in 1999 and 2000 through support of International Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology and Canadian Orthopaedic association. At present he is preparing his department for ISO standardization with the help of Pakistan Institute of Quality Control and an Echo West (a private concern). The project will be completed in October 2004 at the cost of Rs. One million by the private donors.
He was appointed as Member of Management Committee of Gujranwala Sub-Campus of University of The Punjab 2005-06
Hobbies
Being Student      
Cricket, Hockey, Volley Ball, Weight Lifting and Riding.
Being Professional
Reading, Writing, Research, Traveling and Voluntary Social Work.
Marital Status; Married with four (4) Children born in 1987, 1989, 1991 & 1995.
                                QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.


ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

1.1970 Matric, Lahore Board – St. Joseph’s English High School, Gujranwala – First Class
2.1972 F.Sc., Lahore Board – Govt. College, Gujranwala – First Class
3.1973 - 1978 M.B.B.S. Nishtar Medical College, Multan / Punjab University – All Professional Exams First Attempt, First Class
4.Oct. 1982 M.C.P.S. (Surgery), College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan – First Attempt
5.April, 1985 M.S. (Orthopaedics) (Master of Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery)¸ Punjab University – First Attempt.
6.October, 1987 M.Sc. (Bio-Engineering) Dundee, U.K. – First Attemp
The Chancellor / Governor Punjab;
Member, Governor’s Consultative Group for Higher Education Reforms, since 2003 as member of this group has participated in,
(1) Uplifting of Curriculum in all Universities of Punjab,
(2) Development of Policy for Faculty Development,
(3) Launching Quality Assurance of Academic Programs,
(4) Harmonization of Admission and Academic Calendar of Universities.
(5) Review of Administration of Public Universities of Punjab.
(6) Principle Author of Guidelines for developing Curriculum of Higher Education Programs approved by the Vice Chancellors Committee of Public Universities of Punjab under Chairman ship of Governor Punjab, in 2003.
(7) Participated in Punjab Vice Chancellors Committee meetings 2004 & 2006 at Governor House Lahore.
(8) Accompanied Governor Punjab to attend;
national conference on Semesterization held at Baha-ud-Din Zikria University Multan on 24th January 2006.

University of the Punjab;
1. Being Associate Dean Postgraduate Medical Education since 2001 contributed in  revision of Statutes and Regulations of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Courses at the University of Punjab in 2001, and development of modern curriculum of forty eight (48) courses of MD/MS/M.Phil/MDS.
2. Member Board of Studies in Medicine,
3. Member Advanced Studies and Research Board;
4. Member Doctoral Program Coordination Committee has contributed in:
4.1 Launching of Ph.D. Program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (2001). Conducted entry tests during 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005, and organized PhD Research Synopsis evaluation of more than fifty (50) PhD candidates.
4.2, Principal Author and Launching of New M.Phil leading to PhD, Programmes (2006) for Basic Medical/Dental/ Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.
5. Member MD/MS/MDS/M.Phil Research Synopsis Review Committee on behalf of VC Punjab.
6. Punjab University Gujranwala Campus; Member Punjab University Gujranwala Campus Management Committee, Chairman Curriculum Reforms Committee to revamp curriculum of all Programs, Member Quality review with visiting US Prof. Rodger Randle.
7. Member Qualification Equivalence Committee.
8. Principal Author of Frame work of Curriculum for B.Sc. (Hons.) Professional Courses in 16 Allied Health Science Subjects.
9. Collaborated in organizing Faculty Development Courses at Human Resource Development Center.
10. President, Punjab University Medical Postgraduate Alumni Association PUMPAA. Since 1999.

As Professor Orthopaedic Surgery;
Other than regular teaching, training and research,
1. 1995 at Postgraduate Medical Institute, member of Library Committee, Postgraduate Curriculum Reform Committee, and Chairman Store/ Purchase Committee.
2. 1996 at Allama Iqbal Medical College; Store Purchase Officer,
3. 1997, King Edward medical College, Deputy Chairman Research, Member Library Committee, Secretary KE Alumni Symposium, Chairman Boxing Club, Member Curriculum Committee, Member Institutional Autonomy Committee,
4. 1998 Postgraduate Medical Institute, Member Library Committee, Curriculum Committee,
5. 1999-2000 Allama Iqbal Medical College, Chairman Institutional Private Practice Committee (Author of Private Practice Policy), Chairman Hospital Purchase Committee, Chairman Library Committee, Chairman research Committee.
6. 2001- to date Chairman Library Committee, Member Medical Education Committee, Director Postgraduate Education of Punjab University. President Shooting Club, Examiner B.Sc Physiotherapy and M.S Orth Examinations. Education Committee, Pakistan Orthopaedic Association (2004-06)
7. Principal author of The Policy Document of Strengthening of Emergency Medical Services (2004) by Punjab Government.
8. Principal Author, Training Courses for Nurses and Paramedics.
9. Principal Author, MBBS. Orthopaedics Surgery Curriculum, HEC, PMDC. 2005.
10. Author of Standards and Procedures Book for standardizing the departments of Orthopaedic surgery and Traumatology.
11. Author of the Accident and Emergency Manual for Emergency department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore.
12. Author of first Postgraduate Training Program for orthopaedic surgery in Pakistan (1990).for FCPS.
13. Author M.S.(Orth) Curriculum, 2001, Punjab University.
Pakistan Medical & Dental Council, (PMDC).
1. Member since 2000 to 2005
2. Executive Member 2000-2004.
3. Chairman Journals Committee.
4. Member Curriculum Committee, Continuous Professional Development Committee, Ethics Committee. Qualifications Schedules Committee.
5. Principal Author of the Code of Ethics for Medical and Dental Practitioners.
6. Principal Author of the Guide Lines for Authors, Reviewers and Editors of Biomedical Journals.
Federal Ministry of Health
1. Member Drug Appellate Board 2004-2005.
2. Member Education Reform Committee, 2005-06
3. Member Ethical Committee for Pharmaceutical Businesses.(2006)
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
MBBS Curriculum committee, 2002-2004),
Task Force on Nursing Education,  (2005)
Punjab Health Department.
Member Orthopaedic PVMS Committee.1996-99
Co-Chairman Punjab Govt. Prequalification Inspection Committee. (1997-2000),
Secretary/member Medical Education Committee headed by Minister Health with  Secretaries of Health and Education and Principals of Punjab as member  1997-2000; Member Health reform Unit, 1996-1999.;
Member Emergency Medical Services Committee (Principal Author of Punjab Emergency Services Guide Lines);
Chairman Ortho- PVMS Committee (2001- to date).
Member Institutional Private Practice Committee.
Pakistan Orthopaedic Association;
1. Life Member since 1989.
2. Vice President 1990-92.
3 President Elect- 2003-04
4 President  2004-05
5. Immediate Past President 2005-06
6. Chairman Education Committee, (2004-2006).
Pakistan Medical Association. PMA
Member, Executive Body PMA Punjab.
Member, Executive Council, PMA Center
Member Education Committee.
Member Legal Committee. (2002-2004)
Orthopaedic Association of SAARC.(OASC)
1. Member.
2. Vice President 1997-2000
3. Executive Member 2004-2006
4. Chairman Education Committee.(2005-2007)
5. Publication Secretary & Editor of The Journal of OASC) since 2005.
Civil Services Academy, Lahore.
05-10-04, Gave Lecture on Analysis of Autonomy in Teaching Institutions in Punjab.
05.Gave Lecture on Transformation of Government Servants into Public Servants in Pakistan.
02-06; Discussion on Private Public Partnership.
International Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology; SICOT.
Member, International Education Committee SICOT. Since 1997 National Delegate for Pakistan and member International Committee .
Member, International Board of Examiners, for awarding International SICOT Diploma to Orthopaedic Surgeons of all Countries of the world.
Pakistan Cricket Board Being Medical Advisor, and member of Medical Commission, (12-02-2005 to date) is looking after fitness and technical care of sports injuries of members of Pakistan Cricket Team and members of Cricket teams of India and England while in Lahore.
King Edward Medical University Being its Pro Vice Chancellor, and Chairman of several committees, has served to compile technical docu

Sunday, April 10, 2011

HIV/AID in Pakistan


Dr Abdul Wajid khan Daudzai ( Belgium)

HIV is not currently a dominant epidemic in Pakistan. However, the number of cases is growing. Moderately high drug use and lack of acceptance that non-marital sex is common in the society have allowed the AIDS epidemic to take hold in Pakistan, mainly among injection drug users, some male sex workers and repatriated migrant workers. AIDS may yet become a major health issue.
The National AIDS Programme,s latest figures show that over 4,000 HIV cases have so far been reported since 1986, but UN and government estimates put the number of HIV/AIDS cases around 97,000 ranging from lowest estimate 46,000 to highest estimate-210,000. More realistic estimates that are based on actual surveillance figures, however, suggest that this number may be closer to 40,000 - 45,000. The overall prevalence of HIV infection in adults aged 15 to 49 is 0.1%. (0.05% if one accepts the lower estimates). Officials say that the majority of cases go unreported due to social taboos about sex and victims’ fears of discrimination. On the other hand, more detailed and recent data suggest that this may be an overestimate.
HIV epidemic evolves in three phases. First phase is low prevalence, when prevalence of the disease is less than 5% in any high risk group of the country. Second phase is concentrated epidemic when proportion of infected people in any high risk group rises more than 5%. Third and last phase of epidemic is generalized epidemic when prevalence of HIV infection rises over 1% among blood donor or pregnant women. Current data suggest that Pakistan has a concentrated epidemic among injection drug users in most cities and among male sex workers in a few cities.
Pakistan enjoyed a low prevalence phase of epidemic from 1987 to 2003. This may have been due to lack of formal surveillance systems, although no study found significant HIV in any group until 2002. In 2003, an outbreak of HIV among injection drug users in one city heralded the onset of HIV epidemic in the country. Since then different studies and the national HIV surveillance (which started in 2004) have confirmed an escalating epidemic among IDUs and more recently among male and transgender sex workers. Currently the national average prevalence of HIV among IDUs is nearly 20%. Several cities also show concentrated epidemic among MSWs/ TSWs as well.
A number of factors may have contributed to keeping the overall transmission of HIV within the general population. One, Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country with near universal circumcision. Secondly, taboos on sex may have led to a higher proportion of the need for non-marital sex to be met via sex between men, much from a smaller group of men within each person's acquaintance. Some of this is suggested by the fact that about 45% of all sex acts sold are by either male or transgender sex workers (HIV/AIDS Surveillance Project 2007). These factors may have led to a high rate of HIV transmission among MSM/MSW networks but may (temporarily) slow down the transmission of HIV to the rest of the population.
A major factor that must be accounted for in the overall HIV transmission scenario is the rampant use of therapeutic injections, often with non-sterile injection equipment. There are an estimated 800 million therapeutic injections given annually in Pakistan or approximately 4.5 per capita. This is among the highest in the World. A small but significant proportion of these are reused. This has led to the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection (which is nearly exclusively transmitted via blood exposures) to become >5% nationwide, although this seems to have stabilized at a national level. Conservatively this suggests around 150,000 new HCV infections annually, leading to the conclusion that HIV can also potentially spread via this route as well. Indeed recent community based outbreaks in Punjab suggest that the process may have already started.
Pakistan’s response to HIV/AIDS began in 1987 with the establishment of a Federal Committee on AIDS by the Ministry of Health. The national AIDS control Program was then established. Its objectives are the prevention of HIV transmission among specific population sub-groups, safe blood transfusions, reduced STI transmission, establishment of surveillance, training of health staff, research and behavioral studies, and development of program management.
The prevention efforts received a major boost since 2004 when a World Bank loan/ grant allowed the Ministry of Health (and the provincial Departments of Health) to start a program which seeks to provide HIV prevention services to IDUs, sex workers and truckers; perform advocacy and communication for the general public and covers significant proportion of the national blood supply for HIV, HBV and HCV screening. This "Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Program" has been able to establish these services using NGOs to perform the interventions in most large cities although the quality of the services as well as the completeness of their "coverage" remains low. Overall the IDU programs in Punjab are performing the best with over 70% coverage of target populations with services in 4 cities. Programs for sex workers lag some what but are bolstered by the fact that the metropolises have higher levels of knowledge and safer behaviors. However, the overall levels of coverage of services remain low at around 16% for IDUs and <10% for sex workers nationwide. The communication project has performed probably the least with only 44% of Pakistani women reporting ever hearing of the word "AIDS" in 2007. Finally HIV treatment was started in 2005. Currently over 900 individuals receive free HIV medicines and tests from 9 public and 3 private sector facilities.
Going forward the Government of Pakistan has approved a new ambitious 5 year plan that will be worth almost PKR 8 billion. However, a number of challenges will have to be met during this phase. The most immediate perhaps will be developing the methodology of measuring the impact of program interventions. A National M&E Framework has been developed but implementation on it has yet to start. Lack of the ability to measure the outcomes or impact of interventions in real time (so that this knowledge can inform program direction) was likely the most important factor in the low performance of the first Enhanced Program. Other challenges that must be overcome include establishment of a transparent financial management and a smooth logistical and procurement system. Much of the Enhanced Program services are contracted out and delays in procurement of these services meant that many of the cities went without services for months to years. More complex (and longer term) challenges will include determining how to integrate many of HIV activities within other health activities, improves planning to anticipate future direction of the epidemic and its response and to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the interventions. For these researches must become part of the interventions to guide their implementation using local context and to involve epidemiological tools such as routine analysis of available data and even mathematical modeling to guide program planning.