JSMU students produce history-taking handbook in six languages

KARACHI: Students of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) have launched a handbook for taking medical history in six languages. It aims to remove communication barriers between patients who speak different regional languages and medical staff, and to help in accurate diagnosis.

The handbook was prepared under the Internal Medicine Interest Group of Sindh Medical College. It covers English, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, Punjabi, Balochi and Saraiki.

The free digital resource will help medical students understand patients’ symptoms, communicate with them effectively and take medical history accurately.

The project was completed under the supervision of Associate Professor of Pathology Dr Sadaf Razzaq and Sindh Medical College Principal Prof Dr Amber Usmani.

Abdul Tawab Ishaq, a final-year MBBS student from Sri Lanka and former president of the Internal Medicine Interest Group, played a key role in preparing the handbook.

Speeches at the ceremony

JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Amjad Siraj Memon said the main aim of the handbook was to remove language barriers in medical settings and to enable clearer and more effective communication with patients from different linguistic backgrounds.

Sri Lankan Consul General Sanjeewa Pattiwila praised the effort of Abdul Tawab Ishaq. He said his work showed that the pursuit of knowledge and service to humanity were not bound by national borders.

College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) Director Dr Sahar Abbasi also attended the ceremony.

According to the students, the handbook is available online for free download. It can be downloaded from the JSMU website.