Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) and OMI Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Karachi.
The MoU was officially signed by Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, and Kashif Mustafa, Managing Director and CEO of OMI Hospital. The partnership will focus on regular health screenings for children aged 2 to 7, with a particular emphasis on pediatrics, cardiology, and neurology. These screenings are designed to prepare athletes with intellectual disabilities for both sporting and life challenges.
To commemorate the signing, a pilot screening was conducted for six athletes, alongside a pediatric screening for sixteen athletes, providing a thorough health assessment for the participants. Kashif Mustafa expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating,
This partnership between OMI and SOP will play a pivotal role in promoting the health and development of special athletes, empowering them not just in sports but in all aspects of life. It’s an honor for OMI to support Special Olympics Pakistan, and we are committed to ensuring the best possible care for children with intellectual disabilities.
Ronak Iqbal Lakhani highlighted the importance of the medical support provided by OMI, noting that it would significantly enhance the physical fitness and performance of the athletes. “The medical support from OMI will be a game-changer for our athletes, boosting their confidence and capabilities,” she said.
As part of the collaboration, Dr. Ayesha Awan, Pediatric Associate, will serve as the Clinical Director under the guidance of Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Shabbir Hussain at OMI. Additionally, Dr. Syed Ali Raza, Consultant Dental Surgeon, and Dr. Maysam A. Shiraz, Consultant ENT Surgeon, will oversee dental and ENT assessments, respectively.
The MoU also includes partnerships with key organizations such as the Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT), which will provide free follow-up eye care for the athletes.
A team of psychologists from Transformation International Wellness Clinics, led by Dr. Ayesha Bashir Saqib, will conduct thorough developmental assessments and diagnoses. OMI will offer follow-up care for dental services, while the Altmash Institute of Dental Medicine will provide discounted rates for dental screenings.
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