15 Million Pakistanis suffer from Hypertension
By Prof. Azhar M.A. Farooqui
Pakistan Hypertension League organized its 7th National Symposium here on October
18-19, 2003, which attracted a large number of cardiologists and physicians
from all over the country. Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University Faisalabad
was the chief guest in the inaugural session while Punjab Minister for Excise
and Taxation Dr. Mohammad Shafique Chaudhry graced the Public Awareness Session
as chief guest.
Addressing the inaugural session Prof. Azhar M.A. Farooqui the founder President
of PHL said that according to estimates about fifteen million Pakistanis are
suffering from high blood pressure. It is generally said that about 30% people
over age thirty and 50% over age 50 years will be suffering from high blood
pressure. Almost 90% people will suffer from hypertension before they die. Hypertension
has become a chronic health disease of adult population in Pakistan. The organizers,
he said, have set a good tradition of inviting an academician as the chief guest
in the inaugural session.
Prof. Riaz Hussain Qureshi the Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University in
his speech commended the services being rendered by PHL. He called upon the
healthcare professionals to find out how to provide healthcare to the poor people
of Pakistan. He was also offered the Hony. Membership of PHL.
Prof. M. Ishaque General Secretary of PHL in his address commended the efforts
of Faisalabad Chapter, which had organized this symposium just within one year
of its formation. He congratulated Prof. A. Hafeez Chaudhry and his team for
the excellent arrangements made for the meeting. According to the PMRC data
as per National Health Survey conducted in 1997, 17.9% of adult population,
he said, is suffering from hypertension. Apart from holding national symposiums
annually, it has published guidelines for detection and management of hypertension.
These guidelines will be revised and updated shortly. So far PHL has formed
seven regional chapters and it has two hundred seventy five life members The
Islamabad chapter has adopted an innovate idea of utilizing the services of
Mosque Imams to create awareness about hypertension and it will be implemented
in other areas as well. According to the National Health Survey only 3% of our
hypertensives, he said, are adequately controlled. He highlighted the importance
of reducing weight, low use of fat and sugar, reducing cholesterol and physical
activity in the management of hypertension.
Earlier Prof. Abdul Hafeez Chaudhry chief organizer of the symposium welcomed
the guests and participants to the symposium. Prof. A. J. Rehan Principal of
Punjab Medical College also briefly addressed the participants.
The public awareness session was very well attended and the selection of Dr.
Shafique Chaudhry as chief gust was a good decision as he made the meeting quite
lively with his witty comments and remarks. Scientific programme was spread
over four sessions where in different aspects of hypertension were discussed
by various speakers. PHL also held its business meeting on October 19th wherein
reports from various chapters were presented. It was also decided to hold the
next symposium at Karachi.
[taken from http://www.telmedpak.com/homenews.asp?a=5330]
Date/Time Last Modified: 12/2/2003 9:16:03 AM
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