Our Correspondent
SWABI: A new milestone in pediatric healthcare was achieved with the inauguration of the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) Center at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital (THQ) Chota Lahor-MTI, Swabi. Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Abdul Karim Khan, inaugurated the Centre along with Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Chairman BOG MTI Swabi, and representatives from Novo Nordisk and the Health Promotion Foundation.
Before the inauguration, a comprehensive briefing was delivered by Novo Nordisk and Health Promotion Foundation officials, revealing that an estimated 80,000 children in Pakistan are living with Type 1 diabetes, yet only 38% have access to advanced medical care. The actual number of Type 1 diabetes cases could be even higher, says experts.
According to spokesperson of MTI Swabi, the newly established center will provide free consultations, insulin, glucometers, and essential medications to children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “So far, 62 children have been registered and are receiving care, this facility will serve patients under the age of 25 from Swabi and nearby districts, including Buner, Attock, Mansehra, and others”, He added.
MTI Spokesperson added that, Dr. Arshad Hussain, CDiC KP Head, and Ms. Erum Ghafoor, Project Manager CDiC and Dr. Ubaid-e-Yazdan Project specialist, provided a detailed presentation during the ceremony. They highlighted the urgent need for awareness programs, noting that lack of knowledge and low socio-economic status are major contributing factors to the growing burden of Type 1 diabetes in the country.
The Chairman and member of the BOG, along with the MTI Swabi management, expressed their gratitude to all supporting organizations for their efforts in establishing this CDiC Center.
The CDiC program is a global initiative implemented in partnership with Novo Nordisk, Roche, ISPAD and World Diabetes Foundation. It is currently active in 30 countries, including Pakistan. The newly established center in Swabi aims to ensure that “no child should die from diabetes” and to improve the quality of life for children living with Type 1 diabetes through education, care, and support.
