RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN HOSPITAL TAKES PEHLA QADAM TOWARDS CLUBFOOT-FREE MUZAFFARGARH

In another significant milestone for the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital’s (RTEH) Physical Rehabilitation Center completed the first batch of clubfoot treatment at Muzaffargarh. Forty children completed the four-year Ponseti protocol and are now leading normal lives.
To mark this landmark achievement, the Clubfoot Team held the first “Clubfoot se Jeet ka Jashan” at the IHHN-managed hospital on December 21, 2021.“Clubfoot se Jeet ka Jashan” is an annual event which Indus Hospital & Health Network holds to celebrate the successful completion of the clubfoot treatment.
Dr. Amin Chinoy, Executive Director, Physical Rehabilitation Directorate, Dr. Mansoor Ali Khan, Chair, Surgical Services, doctors; orthotists; and physiotherapists attended the event. Patients and their families were present at the event in Muzaffargarh. Patients and their families were present at the program. /The program started with the recitation of the holy Quran and followed by speeches.
Dr. Amin Chinoy congratulated the patients and their families Speaking at the event, Dr. Amin shared that, Clubfoot or Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is a condition in which a newborn’s foot or feet are rotated internally at the ankle. “The ratio of incidence is 1 in every 1,000 live births, and it is one of the most common congenital disabilities. In 50 percent of cases, both feet are affected. Clubfoot cannot be corrected without treatment. Leaving the foot untreated increases, the risk of complications later in life. Clubfoot’s cause is unknown.”
He added that males are twice as likely as females to be born with clubfoot. “According to an estimate, approximately 5,400 children in Pakistan are born with clubfoot every year, but only a minority receive proper treatment,” Dr. Amin added.
Speaking about the team at RTEH, Dr. Amin said that currently, eight doctors are working for the Pehla Qadam program at RTEH. “We see patients from Muzaffargarh and Multan,” he added.
Dr. Mansoor added that earlier surgical intervention was considered the only treatment option; however, the concept has recently changed. “Ponseti technique is the latest treatment method which involves a series of plaster applications. The total duration of treatment is four years. Ponseti technique doesn’t require any major surgery, and the child does not need to be admitted in the hospital.”
On December 18, 2021, an event was held to celebrate the four-year completion of Ponesti treatment at the Korangi Campus. Patients and their families attended the event. The Indus Hospital & Health Network’s faculty was also present at the event. The event ended with a certification ceremony.

Pehla Qadam Program

In 2011, The Indus Hospital launched a service delivery program Pehla Qadam in collaboration with Amer Haider Charitable Foundation to treat children with clubfoot through the Ponseti method. The center receives patients from all over the country.
The program is part of a global commitment to eliminate untreated Clubfoot. Since its inception, more than 1,000 patients have been enrolled in the program, and more than 250 patients have completed treatment.
The program is being implemented at Korangi Campus, since August 2011; RTEH, since December 2017; Tehsil Headquarter Manawan, since October 2017; District Headquarter, Badin, since February 2019; Taluka Hospital, Kandhkot, since 2020.
During 2014-16, with the support of the University of Iowa, USA, IHHN organized a capacity-building program to train Orthopedic Surgeons from all over Pakistan, and more than 50 Orthopedic Surgeons were trained.