KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) organized a Health Awareness Seminar on World Kidney Day at Federation House on Thursday, aimed at raising awareness about kidney diseases and promoting preventive healthcare practices in Pakistan.
The seminar was organized by Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, former Secretary of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) and Chairman of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Medical and Health Sciences. The event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, industrialists, and members of civil society to discuss the growing burden of kidney diseases and the need for coordinated efforts to address the issue.
Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh for Human Rights, attended the seminar as the chief guest.
In his address, he emphasized the importance of spreading disease awareness at all levels, particularly in underprivileged and rural communities where access to healthcare information remains limited. He stressed that early diagnosis and preventive measures are critical in reducing the burden of kidney-related illnesses.
Guest of Honour Dr. Fouzia Hameed, MPA, and Prof. Dr. Akbar Hyder Soomro, former Vice Chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Medical University, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of awareness, early detection, and proper management of kidney diseases.
Key speakers included Dr. Hammad Mithani, Associate Professor at Dow University of Health Sciences and Senior Consultant Urologist at National Medical Centre, and Dr. Nausheen Butt, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at SIUT Hospital Karachi. They delivered detailed presentations on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of kidney diseases, stressing the importance of lifestyle modifications, regular screening, and timely medical intervention.
Senior Vice President FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, also spoke on the occasion and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting public health initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari highlighted FPCCI’s role in promoting healthcare awareness and called for greater collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to tackle preventable diseases effectively.
The seminar was attended by members of FPCCI standing committees, doctors, industrialists, NGOs, philanthropists, medical staff, and representatives from thalassemia centers. Shields and flowers were presented to the chief guest and key speakers, while certificates of appreciation were awarded to distinguished contributors for their services in the health sector.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari thanked all participants and reiterated FPCCI’s commitment to supporting national health initiatives and awareness campaigns.
