- KMH serves lower-income patients with quality services; promotes thalassemia, diabetes and maternal health education
Interview with Mr. Ahmed Chinoy — Chairman, Kutiyana Memon Hospital
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Ahmed Chinoy: I am a businessman with over 27 years of experience and a passionate social activist. Throughout my career, I have been involved in various businesses and have expanded my family’s enterprise into multiple sectors, including textiles, real estate development, and project management. I served as the Chief of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) for more than six years and have collaborated with several NGOs focused on improving health, law and order, education, and other critical areas in the country.
Currently, I am an Elected Director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the Chairman of Kutiyana Memon Hospital, a 75-bed facility located in Kharadar, Karachi, dedicated to providing equitable healthcare to all citizens, regardless of race or gender.
Additionally, I serve on the board of directors at The Indus Hospital, which offers quality healthcare at no cost. In recognition of my contributions to the nation, I have been honored with two prestigious national awards: Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
PAGE: What is your perspective about the current state of the healthcare sector in Pakistan?
Ahmed Chinoy: The healthcare sector in Pakistan faces a complex set of challenges and opportunities. Here are some key perspectives:
Infrastructure and accessibility: Many areas, especially rural regions, struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals and clinics are often underfunded and overcrowded, making access to quality care difficult for many citizens.
Health indicators: Pakistan struggles with several health indicators, including maternal and infant mortality rates, which remain high compared to global averages. Diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and more recently, polio continue to be significant public health challenges.
Healthcare workforce: There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. Retaining skilled personnel in public healthcare facilities is a significant challenge due to better pay and conditions in the private sector.
Public awareness and education: Health literacy remains low in many communities. Increasing public awareness about health issues and preventative care is crucial for improving overall health outcomes.
In summary, while the healthcare sector in Pakistan faces significant challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and improvement, particularly through policy reforms, increased investment, and the adoption of technology.
PAGE: What factors differentiate KMH from other hospitals?
Ahmed Chinoy: Kutiyana Memon Hospital (KMH) stands out from other hospitals in Karachi due to several key factors:
Community-centric approach: KMH is rooted in the Memon community but is committed to serving all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. This inclusive approach fosters a welcoming environment for diverse patient populations.
Affordability: As a community-based hospital, KMH often provides healthcare services at more accessible prices, making it a viable option for lower-income patients who might struggle with the costs at private facilities.
Quality of care: KMH emphasises quality healthcare services. The hospital focuses on patient-centered care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and treatment tailored to their needs.
Cultural sensitivity: Being a community hospital, KMH often understands and respects the cultural and social contexts of its patients, which can lead to better communication and trust between healthcare providers and patients.
Preventive health initiatives: KMH focuses on preventive care and community health programs, engaging in awareness campaigns and health education that benefit the broader community.
Diverse specialties: KMH likely offers a range of medical specialties and services, allowing patients to access comprehensive care in one location, which can be a significant advantage over smaller clinics or hospitals.
Training and education: As a community hospital, KMH also engages in training and educating healthcare professionals, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare standards in the region.
Patient engagement: KMH implements practices that encourage patient feedback and involvement in their care processes, promoting transparency and accountability.
These factors collectively contribute to KMH’s reputation as a trusted healthcare provider in Karachi, distinguishing it from other hospitals in the region.
PAGE: Could you tell us about the recent developments at KMH?
Ahmed Chinoy: Recent developments at Kutiyana Memon Hospital (KMH) include several key initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services and community engagement:
Infrastructure upgrades: KMH has undertaken improvements to its facilities, including renovations of patient wards and the expansion of outpatient services to accommodate a growing patient population. We have also set a cardiac department last month expanding our areas of expertise.
Community health programmes: KMH has launched various health awareness campaigns and community outreach programs, focusing on preventive healthcare and education on prevalent health issues, such as thalassemia, diabetes, maternal health, and infectious diseases.
Collaboration with NGOs: The hospital has partnered with non-governmental organisations to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in areas like mental health and maternal and child health services.
Quality assurance initiatives: The hospital has introduced quality assurance programmes to monitor and improve patient care standards, enhancing overall service delivery.
These developments reflect KMH’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and adapting to the evolving needs of the community.