Shalamar Hospital Observes World TB Day with an Awareness Walk
In a united effort to promote a healthier tomorrow, Shalamar Hospital observed World TB Day with a meaningful and impactful awareness walk, led by the Department of Pulmonology. The event was held to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable disease that continues to affect millions of lives around the world. Guided by the global theme “Yes! We Can End TB”, the awareness walk served as a call to action, urging communities, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations to commit to the global fight against TB. The theme emphasizes the power of collective effort — highlighting that through commitment, investment, and proper healthcare delivery, we can work together to create a TB-free world.
Shalamar Hospital Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Women’s Health Center
Shalamar Hospital proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art Women’s Health Center, offering comprehensive diagnostic and treatment facilities for gynecology, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and other complex women’s health conditions under one roof. The Women’s Health Center was officially inaugurated by the United States Consul General, Kristin K. Hawkins. The Urogynecology Clinic was inaugurated by Dr. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (London), and a commemorative plaque was dedicated in her name. A curtain unveiling the plaque for the Women’s Health Center inauguration, featuring the name of Mr. Shahid Hussain, was jointly raised by Kristin K. Hawkins, Dr. Ranee Thakar, and Kate Lancaster (Chief Executive Officer).The event was attended by notable trustees, Prof. Zahid Bashir (Principal of Shalamar Medical and Dental College), Dr. Ayesha Nauman (Chief Operating Officer of Shalamar Hospital), faculty members, senior medical professionals, Syeda Henna Babar Ali, and Mrs. Shahid Hussain. Dr. Nazli Hameed, in-charge of the Women’s Health Center, provided a detailed overview of the center’s advanced facilities and its commitment to providing holistic care for women’s health and wellness.
Shalamar Hospital Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification: A Milestone in Quality Healthcare
Quality and patient safety are at the heart of any healthcare organization’s mission. At Shalamar Hospital, we have always strived to enhance our processes, improve patient care, and ensure continuous quality improvement. Today, we proudly announce a major achievement: Shalamar Hospital has successfully obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification—a globally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS). Why ISO 9001:2015 Certification Matters in Healthcare ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally acclaimed standard that sets the criteria for a robust quality management system. It focuses on customer satisfaction, risk-based thinking, process optimization, and continual improvement. In a healthcare setting, this certification translates into structured processes, enhanced patient safety, and improved service delivery. For hospitals, ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures: ✔ Standardized quality management processes ✔ Increased efficiency and reduced errors ✔ Enhanced patient experience and satisfaction ✔ Stronger regulatory compliance ✔ A culture of continuous improvement The Journey Towards ISO 9001:2015 Certification Achieving this certification was not an overnight success but a journey of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance. The process involved multiple phases, including: Gap Analysis & Planning: Assessing our existing processes against ISO 9001:2015 requirements and identifying areas for improvement. Process Standardization & Documentation: Implementing standardized policies and procedures for various departments, ensuring consistency in operations. Training & Awareness: Conducting training sessions for staff to enhance their understanding of quality management principles and their role in compliance. Internal Audits & Risk Management: Performing rigorous internal audits to identify gaps, mitigate risks, and address non-conformities. Management Review Meetings (MRMs): Engaging leadership in reviewing progress and making data-driven decisions. Stage 1 & Stage 2 Certification Audits: Undergoing extensive external audits by certification bodies to validate compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards. Overcoming Challenges Like any transformational journey, our path to ISO certification came with challenges. One of the major hurdles was embedding a culture of quality across diverse clinical and non-clinical departments. Resistance to change, ensuring documentation compliance, and aligning staff with quality objectives required continuous engagement and education. Through strong leadership commitment and teamwork, we overcame these obstacles, fostering a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility. What This Means for Our Patients and Staff ISO 9001:2015 certification is more than just a recognition—it is a commitment to maintaining and exceeding quality standards in healthcare delivery. For our patients, this means: ✅ More streamlined and reliable processes ✅ Safer healthcare practices ✅ Improved patient satisfaction ✅ Confidence in receiving high-quality care For our staff, this certification reinforces: ✅ A structured and efficient work environment ✅ Clear guidelines and accountability Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth Looking Ahead: Continuous Quality Improvement While we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that the journey of quality improvement never ends. We remain committed to continuously enhancing our systems, embracing innovation, and adapting to evolving healthcare challenges. Our focus will remain on patient-centered care, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of excellence. A Heartfelt Thank You This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our quality improvement team, leadership, healthcare professionals, and support staff. Every department played a crucial role in making this a reality. Your hard work and commitment to excellence have made this certification possible! As we move forward, we invite collaboration, learning, and shared best practices to uphold the highest quality standards in healthcare.
A Moment of Weakness
Young healthcare professionals inevitably face the death of a patient early in their careers, a moment that challenges both their emotional resilience. While some are deeply affected, others cope differently, yet all must navigate this reality and continue providing compassionate care. This poignant poem by final-year medical student Kashaf Naveed captures the emotional turmoil of losing a first patient, highlighting the balance between empathy and strength that defines the medical profession. Through vivid imagery and raw emotions, it pays tribute to the dedication of healthcare workers who persevere despite the weight of loss. Being a curer, I believed in my ability Keeping in mind, shouldn’t lose my humility Being guided by oath I swore to treat The patients who were desperately in need I walked in my ward for the first time Being bold and courageous, soft and kind Ailing patients on beds, with paling eyes Some were numbing, distressing and profound cries Still there was one with ventilator but eyes gleaming his hope, will and confidence not failing He held my hands enduringly with trust His milky face, hoping me to do what I must Applying all the wisdom and acumen I acquired the best ways of medication I tried But after some days, grimed with grief and sin I remember losing first patient of mine The moment of weakness I came across I was mourning over the terrible loss Fighting back my tears, I comforted his kins Innerly grief-stricken, I had been Tumbling and turning through impossible places Always moving on, but never forgetting their faces Staggered upon my feet, I did pause a moment of weakness I came across Kashaf Naveed Final Year MBBS
Shalamar Hospital and INMOL Collaborate to Advance Surgical Oncology Care
Shalamar Hospital was pleased to welcome esteemed faculty from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology Lahore (INMOL) for a collaborative meeting focused on strengthening surgical oncology services. The event fostered insightful discussions centered on shared expertise, innovative solutions, and enhanced partnerships, all with the shared goal of improving patient care in oncology. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in paving the way for advanced, collaborative approaches in the fight against cancer.
Shalamar Hospital Hosts Prestigious Surgical Meeting: Advancing Surgical Excellence
Shalamar Hospital had the honor of hosting the Society of Surgeons Pakistan, Lahore Chapter’s final monthly meeting of 2024. This collaborative event, held in conjunction with the Pakistan Endocrine Thyroid Surgeons Association and the American College of Surgeons, Pakistan Chapter, showcased cutting-edge surgical advancements. The meeting featured a compelling series of complex and thought-provoking case presentations, highlighting innovation and expertise across a range of surgical specialties. Topics included the management of a challenging stone burden in a solitary functioning kidney, insights into the “Hidden Menace: Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma,” the crucial intersection of genetics and cancer in clinical surgery, advanced laparoscopic techniques for rectal prolapse and thyroid surgeries, and breakthroughs in bariatric surgery outcomes, limb salvage surgery, and rare pediatric cases. A sincere thank you to all the presenters and participants for contributing to this enriching experience. Special gratitude is extended to Prof. Waris Farooka and Prof. Talat Waseem for their leadership and insightful closing remarks.
Shalamar Hospital and Saleem Memorial Hospital Partner to Elevate Cancer Care
Exciting news for cancer patients! Shalamar Hospital has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saleem Memorial Hospital, marking a significant step forward in enhancing oncological services. This collaborative partnership provides Shalamar Hospital patients with access to advanced LINAC Radiation Equipment, expanding treatment options and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, the MOU strengthens our commitment to Continuing Medical Education (CME), ensuring our healthcare teams remain at the forefront of cancer care advancements. Together, Shalamar Hospital and Saleem Memorial Hospital are revolutionizing surgical oncology services and delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge cancer care to our community.
1st Interventional Cardiology Symposium
The 1st Interventional Cardiology Symposium was a triumph, bringing together healthcare professionals to explore the latest advancements in cardiac care. Renowned speakers, including esteemed guest speaker Prof. Dr. Syed Khurram Shehzad, alongside Prof. Sajjad Hussain, Prof. Ahmed Usman, and Dr. Fraz Ahmed, shared invaluable insights on modern and advanced techniques in interventional cardiology. The event fostered engaging discussions on innovations and best practices, contributing to the ongoing progress in this critical field. A special thank you to Dr. Ayesha Nouman (COO) and Mr. Shahid Hussain (Chairman) for their unwavering support, which was instrumental in making this symposium a success. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the expert speakers and attendees for their participation and commitment to advancing cardiology for a healthier tomorrow.
Smog or Smoking 30 cigarettes a day
As the temperature drops, pharmacies become crowded with people reaching out for face masks, educational institutions close to protect the brilliant minds of the coming generations, employees call in sick with runny noses and wheezing chests and the city of Lahore comes to a standstill. Smog has unfortunately become a staple in the early winter season of Lahore which was once renowned for its beauty and gardens.Traditionally, fog added a touch of charm to the tough winter season for Lahori residents. However, recent Novembers have brought dread as thick clouds of smoke, mingling with fog, loom over Lahore. This hazardous combination poses a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the immunocompromised, and those with asthma.In a concerning research finding, The University of Chicago revealed that the average age of Lahori residents is dropping by 7 years annually due to the impact of smog. With the Air Quality Index surpassing 500 in numerous locations, breathing in the present polluted air is equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes daily. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address the smog crisis in Lahore. How is smog formed? Smog or more appropriately, photochemical smog forms when gaseous pollutants (volatile organic compounds like nitrogen oxide) participate in chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight. While there is a natural element to its formation, human activity is the primary cause of its aggravation.Emissions from factories, power plants, and vehicles are a strong contributing factor to the high concentrations of pollutants in the air. In the regrettable scenario of Lahore, a major contributor to the issue is the burning of crop residue at the beginning of the wheat-planting season. When combined with decreasing temperatures, this practice leads to the entrapment of harmful fumes in the air, hindering their dispersion. What are the health hazards? Smog is a direct irritant to the eyes, increasing the risk of eye infections, like conjunctivitis. Inhaling the polluted air of Lahore is also likely to irritate the respiratory passages, leading to intense throat inflammation and runny noses. Prolonged exposure may also raise the risk of neurological, like disorientation and confusion, and cardiopulmonary disorders. Naturally, volatile organic compounds have been shown to have carcinogenic properties, thus the risk of cancer is also present.Polluted air is the ultimate nightmare for asthmatics, since smog enhances the risk of severe asthma attacks which may prove life-threatening. As for children, it reduces immunity, leaving them vulnerable to infection. A recent report from Punjab Healthcare highlights a staggering figure of 12,000 individuals hospitalized directly due to the impact of smog in this 2023 season. This is only an estimate of the real numbers affected which are projected to be much higher. The Way Forward Authorities are actively addressing the recent smog crisis in Lahore, implementing temporary closures of schools, markets, and parks this week. However, this approach has proven ineffective over the years, necessitating a more sustainable solution for the city of gardens.To enhance air quality in the long term, stringent monitoring of farmers during the wheat-planting season is essential. Powerplants should be encouraged to responsibly use fossil fuels, particularly as winter sets in. Large-scale industries must adopt eco-friendly production methods, and the incorporation of Carbon Tax can serve as a deterrent, curbing healthcare costs associated with their activities.Public awareness is crucial, educating Lahori citizens on how to protect themselves from this significant health hazard. By combining proactive measures and community engagement, a lasting improvement in Lahore’s air quality can be achieved.
The Best Orthopaedics Hospital in Lahore – Shalamar Hospital
In a bustling city like Lahore, Pakistan, access to top-tier healthcare facilities is essential. When it comes to orthopaedic care, Shalamar Hospital stands out as the best orthopaedics hospital in Lahore. With a commitment to excellence, cutting-edge technology, and a team of highly skilled professionals, Shalamar Hospital has earned its reputation as a leader in orthopaedic healthcare. Unmatched Expertise At Shalamar Hospital, orthopaedic care isn’t just a service; it’s a passion. The hospital boasts a team of renowned orthopaedic surgeons and specialists who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to their patients. With years of experience and a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, the orthopaedic team at Shalamar Hospital ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment. State-of-the-Art Facilities Shalamar Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced diagnostic equipment and cutting-edge surgical suites. This ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses and world-class treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, joint pain, or a more complex orthopaedic condition, Shalamar Hospital has the resources to provide comprehensive care. Personalized Treatment Plans One of the key factors that sets Shalamar Hospital apart is its dedication to personalized treatment plans. The orthopaedic team understands that each patient is unique, and so are their healthcare needs. Whether it’s physical therapy, minimally invasive surgery, or joint replacement, the treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring the best possible outcome. Patient-Centric Approach At Shalamar Hospital, patients come first. The hospital’s patient-centric approach is evident in every aspect of care, from the friendly and knowledgeable staff to the comfortable and welcoming environment. The focus is not only on treating the condition but also on ensuring the patient’s overall well-being and comfort throughout their journey to recovery. Comprehensive Services Shalamar Hospital offers a wide range of orthopaedic services, including: Joint Replacement: Shalamar Hospital excels in joint replacement surgeries, helping patients regain their mobility and quality of life. Sports Injuries: Athletes trust Shalamar Hospital for the treatment of sports-related injuries, with a goal to get them back in the game swiftly. Spinal Care: From spinal surgeries to non-surgical interventions, Shalamar Hospital provides comprehensive spinal care. Fracture Management: Quick and effective fracture management is a priority at Shalamar Hospital. Physical Therapy: The hospital’s rehabilitation services play a crucial role in the recovery process. Community Engagement Shalamar Hospital recognizes the importance of giving back to the community it serves. The hospital actively engages in community outreach programs, organizing health camps, seminars, and workshops to educate the public about orthopaedic health and preventive measures. By fostering a culture of awareness and wellness, Shalamar Hospital aims to reduce the incidence of orthopaedic issues in Lahore. Conclusion When it comes to orthopaedic care in Lahore, Shalamar Hospital is the top choice. With its unmatched expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, personalized treatment plans, patient-centric approach, and comprehensive services, it’s no wonder that Shalamar Hospital has earned the reputation of being the best orthopaedics hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. If you’re seeking world-class orthopaedic care, Shalamar Hospital is where your journey to recovery begins.