Experts urge policy reforms to address shortage of pediatric surgeons and improve child health outcomes across Sindh
By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR – The Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) Sukkur celebrated WOFAPS World Pediatric Surgery Day with an awareness walk and a series of expert addresses highlighting the critical role of pediatric and neonatal surgery in improving child health outcomes.
Held by the Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, the event aimed to raise awareness of the urgent need for specialized surgical services for children, especially in underserved areas. Executive Director Prof. Jamal Raza and Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho were lauded for their continued support of child health initiatives in the province.
Distinguished participants included Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khokhar (Director of Operations), Dr. Illahi Bux Brohi (Head of Pediatric Surgery), Dr. Hafsa Nazeer (Anesthesia), Dr. Suresh Kumar (Pediatric Surgery), Dr. Amber Shabbir (Pediatric Neurology), and department heads from dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, and HR.
Dr. Khokhar described SICHN Sukkur as a 225-bed, standalone pediatric facility with advanced services including Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Urology, Oncology, Medicine, Neurology, a 28-bed Pediatric ICU, and a 50-bed Neonatal ICU.
Dr. Brohi highlighted the dire shortage of pediatric surgeons in Pakistan—just 330 nationwide for a population exceeding 270 million, nearly half of whom are children. He stressed the department’s role in handling complex congenital, traumatic, and oncological cases.
Dr. Suresh Kumar emphasized that pediatric surgeries must be conducted by trained specialists due to children’s unique physiological needs. Dr. Amber Shabbir called for structural reforms, urging the government to establish pediatric surgery positions at District and Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals.
The event concluded with a unified appeal for increased investment in pediatric surgical training and infrastructure, reinforcing SICHN Sukkur’s position as a beacon of specialized child healthcare in the region.
