PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical College (KMC) and Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) have jointly launched the Wilson’s Disease Support Group (WDSG), the first institutional platform in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dedicated to improving early diagnosis, coordinated management and long-term care for patients suffering from Wilson’s disease — a rare but potentially life-threatening genetic disorder.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Khyber Medical College, was presided over by KMC Dean Prof. Mahmud Aurangzeb, who formally launched the initiative as patron-in-chief. The programme has been developed to address longstanding gaps in diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment, which are critical for managing a condition that affects multiple organs, including the liver, brain and eyes.
The initiative is spearheaded by Prof. Iqbal Haider, consultant physician and associate dean of research at KMC, along with Dr. Suleman Elahi Malik. The two established the WDSG to provide structured and collaborative support, bringing together patients, families, postgraduate trainees, consultants and members of the Medicine Interest Group (MIG) at KMC.
Given the complex nature of Wilson’s disease, the support group has assembled a wide panel of specialists to deliver coordinated care. These include programme directors from general medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology, neurology, ophthalmology, chemical pathology, psychiatry, nutrition and dietetics, and paediatrics. Associate and assistant professors from these disciplines — including Dr. Zahidullah Khan, Dr. Shah Umam, Dr. Omar Khan, Dr. Irfan Khattak, Dr. Imran Ahmed, Dr. Mohsin Shafi, Dr. Imran Khan, Mr. Zulqarnain Haider and Dr. Zia Muhammad — will contribute clinical expertise. Postgraduate trainees and MIG members will form the steering committee, working alongside senior consultants who will oversee clinical operations.
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The WDSG has outlined an initial set of key initiatives focused on patient welfare. These include quarterly clinics for registered patients, family screening programmes to identify at-risk relatives, and facilitation of genetic testing — essential for early diagnosis. The group also plans to support access to vital medications, develop Urdu-language educational materials and launch public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of the disorder across KP.
The inaugural ceremony, held at Khyber Medical College, was graced by the KMC dean, Professor Mahmud Aurangzeb as chief guest.https://t.co/8U13kTaL6u
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In cases where advanced treatment is required, the support group will assist with referrals for liver transplantation, a life-saving option for patients with severe liver involvement.
Officials said the creation of the WDSG marks an important step toward improving outcomes for individuals with Wilson’s disease, many of whom face delays in diagnosis and limited access to specialised care.
