Miniature radiography

Objective: This study was designed to find out the utility of MMR in hospital-based setup. Study Design: An observational, analytical study

Place and duration: The study was conducted at Radiology Department POF Hospital Wah Cantt for a period of two years. The study was started on 01[st] August 2009 and ended on 31[st] July 2011

Results: Out of 1401 patients attended 988 were advised MMR for pre employment med checkup and 413 reported for annual checkup [Table I]. 91% [1291] were male and 110 were female [Table II]. Majority [64%] of the subjects belonged to age group 20 to 30 years. [Table III].16 patient had pulmonary tuberculosis. [Table IV]

Conclusions: MMR is suggestive rather than diagnostic .It merely separates persons for whom further investigations are required. According to international standard our facility is much underutilized

Radiology request form; a neglected medical document

An incompletely filled Radiology Request Form [RRF] is a common problem faced by both radiologists and radiographers. The study was carried out to objectively evaluate the adequacy of completion of radiology request forms in a tertiary care centre. Indoor and outdoor patient departments of POF Hospital Wah Cantonment. Descriptive, retrospective study. Radiology Department POF Hospital, Wah Cantonment. 01 Jul 2009 to 01 September 2009. A total of 1500 request forms received by the radiology department from 01Jul 2009 to 01Sep 2009 were reviewed. These included requests for a variety of examinations from different departments within POF Hospital, Wah Cantonment. A database of the collected forms was created, noting which of the various fields were adequately completed. Only 270 out of the 1500 forms were completed in full and 1230 were not completely filled. The only parameter fulfilled in all the forms was the presence of referring doctor's signature. The commonest blank fields were as follows: patient location: 62%, clinical notes: 67.26%, doctor's name: 47.33% and date of referral: 14.2%. The inadequate transmission of clinical information observed in this study is typical example of the various problems that radiologists have to face

Through service learning to provide social justice

In Pakistan there are 3.3 Million child laborers without healthcare services and educational opportunities, which affect our social fabric. We report how structured 'Service Experience' helped broaden medical students understanding of social justice. To produce health professionals who are ready to work for a cause without voracity. A Cross sectional survey through a focal group discussion. Do opportunities for structured Service Learning help modify student's perception of their role as doctors in society? Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad. Fifteen months, from January 2008-April 2009. Fifteen students interviewed 700 child laborers using a piloted interview form during a fifteen months period. Focus group discussions were held with these students to discuss their experiences. Qualitative analysis of the discussion is reported. Students empathized that children worked on a contractual basis averaging $1 per 10 hours with no meals. Parents encouraged them to earn money and they felt more satisfied pleasing them. Children didn't attend school because of the school quality and fear of abuse. "Our exposure to child labor had been limited; this has taken us to the core of the issue. We now feel responsible as a physician and a leader to ensure 'security of children in every respect' as part of their health." "We will avoid employing children at our homes and will council parents, trying to be role models for others." "As future leaders we will propose measures including establishment of free quality educational systems with paid vocational tracks." Service learning will inculcate empathy for the oppressed groups of the community and also develop a social and civic responsibility in medical students

Child laborers; abuse is universal at Rawalpindi

In Pakistan there are about 3.3 Million unprotected child laborers. They are constantly exposed to all kinds of dangers and abuse intimidating the future of the country. These child laborers are without the basic necessities of life including food, shelter, schooling and healthcare services, which has devastating effects on our socio-economic fabric. It is quite imperative to comprehend and unveil the perilous picture of the working conditions of child laborers and the abuse inflicted upon them at such an impressionable age. Cross sectional study. Rawalpindi city including workshops, shops and streets of Rawalpindi. January 2008-Dec 2008. Objective: To assess the presence of any Verbal, Physical and Sexual abuse among the child laborers at Rawalpindi city. Out of the total sample of 700 study subjects 315 [45%] of the Child laborers reported being abused whereas 385 [55%] reported no abuse. Out of the fraction which reported to be abused the break up is as follows. 214 [67.9%] reported verbal abuse, 75 [23.8%] reported Physical abuse and 25 [7.9%] reported sexual abuse. This study concluded that the child laborers are open to the elements of the adversities that come along with their work environment. The government should be urged to take necessary steps to trim down the abuse against child laborers and its frightening effects on their families, society and nation at large by constituting strict laws and ensuring their speedy implementation