12/04/2025
WOFAPS World Pediatric Surgery Day Celebrated at SICHN Sukkur
Sukkur, April 12, 2025 — The Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), Sukkur, commemorated WOFAPS World Pediatric Surgery Day with great enthusiasm and dedication. The event aimed to raise awareness about the vital role of pediatric and neonatal surgery in improving child health outcomes and underscored the institute’s commitment to excellence in surgical care, education, and outreach.
The event began with an awareness walk, symbolizing the collective effort of the healthcare community in advocating for enhanced pediatric surgical care. The celebration highlighted the unwavering support of Executive Director Prof. Jamal Raza and Sindh Government Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, who remain deeply committed to advancing child health services in the province.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including:
• Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khokhar – Director of Operation,
• Dr. Illahi Bux Brohi – Associate Professor & Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery,
• Dr. Hafsa Nazeer – Head of the Anesthesia Department,
• Dr. Suresh Kumar – Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery,
• Dr. Amber Shabbir – Head of Pediatric Neurology,
• Dr. Sadia – Head of Pediatric Dentistry,
• Dr. Noor Mustafa – Head of Pharmacy,
• As well as faculty members from Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Medicine, Neonatology, Emergency, Paramedical Staff, and the Human Resources Department.
During his address, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khokhar emphasized the uniqueness of SICHN Sukkur, describing it as a 225-bed, independent pediatric and neonatal hospital equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He highlighted the comprehensive range of specialized services offered, including Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Pediatric Urology, Oncology, Medicine, Neurology, a 28-bed Pediatric ICU, and a 50-bed Neonatal ICU — all supported by well-integrated allied departments.
Dr. Illahi Bux Brohi shed light on the critical importance of pediatric and neonatal surgery, noting that with Pakistan’s population exceeding 270 million — 40–45% of whom are under the age of 17 — there are only around 330 qualified pediatric surgery consultants nationwide. He emphasized the department’s pivotal role in managing complex congenital, traumatic, oncological, and reconstructive conditions in children.
Dr. Suresh Kumar stressed the need for surgeries on children to be performed exclusively by trained pediatric surgeons due to the distinct physiological and anatomical differences between children and adults, requiring specialized care protocols.
In her remarks, Dr. Amber Shabbir called for systemic strengthening and policy interventions. She urged government authorities to create designated posts for pediatric surgeons at the District and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) level, ensuring equitable access to specialized surgical care for children across rural and underserved areas of Sindh.
The event concluded with a collective call for continued investment in pediatric surgical training, infrastructure, and awareness — reaffirming SICHN Sukkur’s role as a leading institution in child health and neonatal care in Pakistan.
