Department of Rheumatology – Ali Fatima Hospital (AFH)

Introduction

Rheumatology is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the musculoskeletal system, including joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These conditions, which include various autoimmune disorders, often affect internal organs, blood vessels, nerves, and skin. 

Because rheumatic disorders require chronic care and can lead to permanent disability if not managed properly, expert intervention is vital.

Ali Fatima Hospital distinguishes itself as one of the premier centers in Lahore with a devoted Rheumatology Clinic. Established in November 2023, our department is led by Assistant Professor Dr. Asif Islam, an internationally certified specialist (FCPS, SCE UK, EULAR Germany). We offer comprehensive outpatient services, thorough diagnostic evaluations, and advanced interventional procedures for complex autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to deliver the ultimate in patient-centered care and innovative treatments through:

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Providing quality services in treating rheumatic disorders to improve the daily lives of our patients.
• Clinical Excellence: Offering expert care for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as one of the few specialized centers in the region.
• Comprehensive Support: Assisting patients in managing chronic conditions through rehabilitative and psychosocial support services.
• Health Equity: Providing monetary assistance for financially disadvantaged patients to ensure treatment compliance and better long-term outcomes.

About Our Services & Specialist Faculty

Welcome to the Rheumatology Department at Ali Fatima Hospital. We specialize in personalized treatment plans in OPD Room #18, featuring a dedicated schedule:

• General Rheumatology OPD: 3 days a week (Consultations and Follow-up).
• Procedure Day: Every Tuesday (Dedicated to joint and soft tissue injections).
• Dedicated Lupus Clinic: Every Friday (Specialized SLE management led by Dr. Asif Islam).

Faculty Profile: Dr. Asif Islam

Assistant Professor Dr. Asif Islam is a highly accomplished Consultant Rheumatologist with extensive global training:

• Qualifications: MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Rheumatology), SCE Rheumatology (UK), EULAR Certification, and CMT (KEMU).
• Memberships: Member of ACR (USA), EULAR (Europe), APLAR (Asia-Pacific), AYR, and PSR (Pakistan).
• Research: A prolific researcher and author of over 40 publications in national and international medical journals.

Conditions We Treat

We manage a full spectrum of early and complicated rheumatic and bone disorders:

• Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Myositis (Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis), and Overlap Disorders.
• Inflammatory Spine & Joint Care: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Septic Arthritis.
• Degenerative & Metabolic Bone Health: Osteoarthritis, Gout (Uric Acid), Primary & Secondary Osteoporosis, Paget’s Disease, and Osteomalacia.
• Chronic Pain Syndromes: Fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndromes (CRPS).
• Specialized Complications: Lupus Nephritis, Autoimmune Eye disorders, and Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD).

Advanced Interventional Procedures

Our team performs high-precision procedures for targeted relief:

• Joint Injections & Aspiration: Shoulder (Subacromial/Glenohumeral), Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee, Ankle, and small joints of the hand (MCP/PIP/CMC).
• Soft Tissue Interventions: Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, Trigger Finger, and Plantar Fasciitis.
• Specialized Therapies: Biologic Therapy, Visco-supplementation (Artificial Gel), PRP Therapy, and Prolotherapy.