A Legacy of Care: The Dowites of 1986 Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Project at Civil Hospital Karachi

The journey towards modern, specialized pediatric care in Karachi reached a major milestone with the launch of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the historic Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). This vital initiative was spearheaded by the dedicated alumni of the Dow Medical College Class of 1986 (Dowites of 1986), who took on the monumental task of establishing a much-needed comprehensive Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

A Necessary Intervention in a Historic Setting

This ambitious project is set within the walls of the Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau, Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), one of Pakistan's oldest and most significant tertiary care facilities. Founded in 1898, Civil Hospital Karachi has served as a primary healthcare provider for the city and surrounding provinces for over a century, particularly for the underprivileged population. The hospital remains a vital institution, dealing with an immense patient load and providing critical services across numerous specialties.

The need for a dedicated, high-tech intensive care unit for children and newborns at CHK is underscored by the sobering statistics of early childhood mortality in the region. Pakistan continues to face one of the highest neonatal mortality rates globally. In a study focused on Karachi, the causes of neonatal death often point to preventable conditions such as perinatal asphyxia, preterm birth complications, and infections. Even in one squatter settlement of Karachi, a 2010 study found the neonatal mortality rate to be 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. These numbers highlight a profound and urgent need for state-of-the-art facilities and specialized critical care to give vulnerable newborns and children a fighting chance.

The Project Milestone

In a remarkable act of professional and philanthropic dedication, the Dowites of 1986 committed to addressing this crisis. Their vision culminated in the first phase of the project: the inauguration of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on January 1, 2013. This seven-bedded unit is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and technology, immediately providing a lifeline for critically ill children in a facility where such high-level care was previously scarce. The establishment of this PICU marks a powerful transition, transforming the scope of pediatric services available at Civil Hospital Karachi and standing as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Dow Medical College alumni to their alma mater and the health of their community.