ANTH pioneers colorectal training in Pakistan

Islamabad:Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH) has become the first hospital in Pakistan to receive recognition from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) for training in the super-specialty of colorectal surgery. With this acknowledgment, Prof Dr Rizwan Aziz, ANTH’s Head of the Surgical Oncology and a UK fellowship-trained surgeon, becomes the country’s first supervisor for this vital training programme, says a press release.

“This recognition denotes our commitment to advancing medical education and improving patient care,” said Dr Raja Amjad Mahmood, Director of Hospitals. “By training specialists in colorectal surgery, we aim to enhance the quality of care for patients suffering from complex colorectal diseases. This initiative will not only benefit our hospital but also uplift the standards of medical practice across Pakistan.”

Dr Areej Neyazi, Director ANTH, told on this occasion that the hospital has been a front-runner in providing comprehensive colorectal services, with a variety of programs already in place. The hospital’s Tumor Board has been successfully operating for the past two years, facilitating the discussion of complex and cancer cases among a team of consultants. Additionally, the one-stop rectal bleed clinic offers a holistic approach by providing consultations, endoscopies, biopsies, and treatments for piles, all during a single appointment.

The hospital is equipped to handle both medical and surgical treatments for large intestine diseases, offering both open and laparoscopic procedures. These surgeries are conducted in state-of-the-art operation theatres by a team of experts, ensuring high-quality care for both benign and malignant conditions. ANTH also offers the HALO procedure, a modern, cut-free, and pain-free treatment for piles.

Imran Ali Ghouri, Head of ANTH Communications, emphasized the broader impact of this achievement by saying, “This is a ground-breaking development for the medical community in Pakistan. By starting this training program, we are not only enhancing the skills of our surgeons but also contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare services in the country. Our vision is to create a network of highly skilled colorectal surgeons who can provide International-standard care to patients within Pakistan.”

As this training program takes off, ANTH is set to produce a new generation of expert surgeons, dedicated to serving the community with the highest standards of care.