KDSP collaborated with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in 2017 to introduce a one-stop health solution to facilitate children with Down syndrome and their parents. Prior to this, parents would struggle to find trained specialists who were able to look after the health challenges faced by their children with Down syndrome.
With the launch of Down Syndrome Clinic at AKUH, this issue was streamlined and parents are now able to bring their children to see different specialists in one clinic. A collaboration with The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) is also in place since 2019 to cater to healthcare of individuals with Down syndrome specifically belonging to lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
KDSP also hosts multiple healthcare clinics at its own facility including eye, cardiology and dental clinics throughout the year. An Eye Testing Clinic is held to help screen for common ophthalmological concerns faced by individuals with Down syndrome. A Pediatric Cardiology Clinic with Dr. Fatima Ali (Pediatric Cardiologist, Aga Khan University Hospital) was held in 2022 to provide guidance on precautionary measures and future steps for individuals requiring treatment for congenital heart diseases. A recent collaboration with Alvi Dental also took place – a leading dental practice for orthodontic concerns in Karachi which offers free consultation for individuals with Down syndrome in KDSP’s Family Network.
KDSP has also begun General Pediatrics Clinics with Dr. Razi ur Rehman and Dr. Anookhi at its facility. A Developmental Pediatric Clinic with Dr. Sidra Kaleem Jafri is also in place with the aim to help parents identify the developmental trajectory of their children with Down syndrome and address challenges.
A Behavior Therapy program was also launched in 2022 under the guidance of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – Ms. Faiza Bhamani. Ms. Faiza supervises the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to assist them independently in conducting observations and assessments of individuals with Down syndrome requiring behavioral interventions.
