The Pakistan Urogynaecologist Association (PUGA) is working as an independent non-profit organization in country. Its aims and objectives are to work for the betterment of the quality of life in women suffering from urogynaecological problems. Recently, PUGA organised first Symposium on Urogynaecology at a local hotel in Karachi which was attended by more than 150 senior professors, associate and assistant professors along with their trainee postgraduates and gynaecologist from private sector hospitals.
Chief Guest Prof. Sadiqua Jafarey congratulated the organizing team and stressed upon the need of establish such organizations which can work with dedication for the betterment of women suffering from urogynae problems. She further commented that the CPSP which has already made guidelines for training in speciality and should also make this issue of trainer’s certification clear. The President of PUGA also highlighted the importance of working relationships, need for teaching and training of gynaecologist with change of paradigm all over the world.
Prof. Rubina Tahir, elected General Secretary of Gynaecology Faculty of College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan admired and complimented Dr. Shagufta Tahir saying that the efforts of a single person could bring such a huge change was something she witnessed for the first time. She also talked about CPSP’s prospective of starting second fellowship in the field of Urogynaecology.
Dr. Shaheen Zafar, a renowned gynaecologist applauded the formation of PUGA saying that the revolution and new sun rise seen in the history of gynaecology in Pakistan. The revolution in gynaecology will change the paradigm and will motivate young budding gynaecologists who have energies and resources available in Pakistan to upgrade their skills.
Prof. Tasneem Ashraf, President of Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecology from Quetta and Prof. Saquib Siddique congratulated and appreciated the efforts of PUGA team in Organizing the National Symposium with high quality of research papers and related workshops incorporating clinical skills conducted as pre symposium event at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College. She also assured his support and help in dissemination of knowledge & skills. She further said that the executive members of PUGA at National level showed great unity and enthusiasm and vowed to continue this effort in future and enlighten the doctors especially gynaecologist working in this field having interest in the subject.
Dr. Shagufta Tahir, General Secretary of Pakistan Urogynaecologists Association in her address welcomed the guests who joined from other cities in spite of worse law and order situation.
Prof. Azizunnisa sharing his strong point said that the trainer should be qualified by CPSP and should be a gynaecologist.
The symposium was preceded by four workshops at LNH one on urdynamics for gynaecologist, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, Urogenital simple fistula repair & last on degree perineal tear & anal sphincter repair. These workshops were attended by gynaecologists, postgraduate trainees in large number.
The executive members of PUGA from Lahore who attended were group captain Dr. Nazli Hameed and Professor Nasira Tasneem from Islamabad, Professor Azizunnisa from Abbotabad and Professor Tasneem Ashraf from Quetta. This event was attended by Prof. Hassan Fatima Jaffery, Prof. Haleema Hashmi, Prof. Tazeen Abbas, Prof. Shabnum Shamim and Dr. Shahnaz Hussaini who joined hands in organizing the event and made it successful.
Dr. Zehra Naqvi, HoD the head of department shared her vision to establish urogynaecology services in LNH where maximum facilities are available. She said that we the gynaecologist as a team, from the platform of PUGA pledge to bring about a positive change in the history of gynaecology where inertia is overwhelming.