Endocrinology in Pakistan

Endocrinology is the field of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists are specifically trained physicians who diagnose and treat diseases related to hormones, the glands, and tissues that produce them, as well as complications that may be caused by them. They work closely with other specialists, such as specialists in ophthalmology, obstetrics, radiation oncology, and otolaryngology. The conditions that endocrinologists commonly treat are as follows:

• Diabetes​​​​​​
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Metabolic disorders
• Thyroid diseases
• Certain types of cancers
• Short stature
• Excessive or insufficient production of hormones
• Infertility
• Transplantation
• Gender dysphoria

Endocrinology treatment usually involves controlling the amount of hormone the body produces. The goal of the treatment is to restore the normal balance of hormones found in a person’s body. The following are some of the procedures that an endocrinologist perform:

• Bariatric procedures (such as gastric bypass surgery)
• Adrenalectomy
• CT scan
• MRI
• Pancreas transplant
• Thyroidectomy
• Thyroid fine-needle aspiration
• Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
• Home enteral nutrition
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
• Lipid management
• Transnasal endoscopic procedures
• Wound care
• Feminizing hormone therapy
• Facial feminization surgery
• Feminizing surgery
• Top surgery for transgender men/women
• Voice feminizing therapy and surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Pakistan?

Your length of stay in Pakistan depends on the type of procedure you underwent. In general, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after treatments, particularly after surgery, then plan to stay in Pakistan for at least 7 to 14 more days. During your stay, you will attend follow-up checkups where your endocrinologist monitors your healing progress and, if needed, will remove any stitches. For diagnostic procedures, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day, then plan to stay in Pakistan for 3 to 7 days until the results are available.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

While the recovery time can vary from one person to another, depending on the procedure you underwent and your overall health, you may be advised to take a week or two off of work. It may also take around 6 weeks until you fully recover and are allowed to perform strenuous activities, such as exercise. Your endocrinologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your endocrinologist will give you a set of instructions that you need to follow after your treatment. In general, you may need to take the medicine (if any) as prescribed and have a healthy lifestyle, such as having enough sleep, follow a healthy and balanced diet, and exercise regularly. You may also need to attend regular checkups to check on your condition with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of endocrinology has advanced, with cutting-edge technology, new medicines, sophisticated imaging and diagnostic equipment, and innovative therapies that have helped to increase the success rate of endocrinology procedures. There are risks of side effects and complications which include infection, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, and injury to nearby organs.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to endocrinology. If you have any conditions mentioned above, you may need to see an endocrinologist. If your condition is found out to be caused by other problems unrelated to endocrinology, your endocrinologist will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Endocrinology in and around Pakistan

Introduction

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a country located in South Asia and it is the fifth-most populous country of the world, with a population exceeding 207.8 million. Although the country has plenty of natural and historical riches, this country is off the radar for most tourists due to political instability. Those who are curious enough to visit the country will find that it is filled with beautiful, from Mughals and mountains to the mighty Karakoram. 

A large number of ultra-modern medical centers are available, and they are equipped and facilitated with the most advanced medical technologies. Numerous doctors and surgeons at these medical centers are normally foreign qualified. Large numbers of patients from neighboring countries and the Middle East have traveled to Pakistan to undergo various medical procedures, mainly for organ transplants or fertility treatments.

Popular Cities and Regions in Pakistan

The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad. This city was built as a planned city to replace Karachi as the country’s capital. Islamabad is known for its safety, high standards of living, and plenty of green spaces. Here, tourists can admire the symmetry of the Pakistan Monument, check out the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, visit the Lok Virsa Museum, and stroll around the Faisal Mosque. Karachi, the original capital of the country, is a sprawling metropolis. Most visitors usually come to check out the Quaid Mausoleum and the Tuba Mosque. Another popular city for tourism in Lahore, which is filled with beautiful architecture and interesting museums. The most popular attractions in this city are the Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Delhi Gate. 

Transport in Pakistan

The busiest airport in Pakistan is the Jinnah International Airport, which is located in Karachi. It serves both domestic and international flights to and from several cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Taking domestic flights can be a great way to travel around. The rail network is also extensive and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are also available.

Visas in Pakistan

Citizens of 5 countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Tonga, and Trinidad and Tobago, can visit Pakistan without a visa. Several countries, such as Austria and the UAE, may obtain a visa on arrival if they possess ETA. Citizens of 15 countries, including Armenia and India, are eligible to apply for an online visa. 

Weather in Pakistan

Summer (March – October) is hot and dry in the northern regions. However, July and August can be rainy, making the weather hot and humid. The temperatures can range from 9°C to 38°C. Winter (November – April) can be really severe and most cities will get frost. Also, the northern part of the country experiences heavy rainfall during this season. The average temperature ranges from 3°C to 25°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). 1 USD will get you approx. 154.4 PKR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are readily available. Pakistan is a cash-based society, and credit cards are only accepted in a few establishments. Tipping is not expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Urdu and English. Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Balochi are also spoken by a number of people. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is practiced by more than 90% of the population. Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadis, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced. Always avoid wearing body-revealing clothes in public places.
5. Public holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays are Holi, Pakistan Day, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Azha.