Category: Health

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Dr Zafar Ullah Mirza, Pakistan’s State Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC), visited Getz, the only pharmaceutical company in Pakistan, whose manufacturing facility has recently been prequalified and accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva. The company is also the largest exporter of medicines from Pakistan and has been awarded the Prime Minister’s highest export trophy in the Pharmaceuticals category for 14 consecutive years.

During the nearly three hours visit, the minister toured and reviewed Getz Pharma’s Manufacturing/Production Facility, Quality Control laboratories, Stability Area, and Technical/ Utility Areas. He reviewed the company’s Quality Management Systems critically. Dr Zafar Mirza has a rich experience with working at WHO for over fifteen years. The minister appreciated the high standards of production and quality assurance of the company and congratulated the management for obtaining both the WHO prequalification as well as the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme – PIC/S accreditation and putting Pakistan on the map of the select few countries whose facilities and products are prequalified by WHO. 

After the visit the State Minister discussed with the management how to improve the availability of the Essential Medicines in Pakistan in general and the local production for the treatment of HIV. The CEO of Getz Pharma, Mr. Khalid Mahmood, assured the minister that Getz Pharma would help address the problems of shortages of Essential Medicines, especially the medicines for the treatment of HIV.

The minister, Dr Zafar Mirza,discussed the issues facing the pharmaceutical sector and brainstormed ideas to boost exports of medicines. He reiterated that the government and his ministry, under the guidance and instructions of the Prime Minister, is keen to transform the health and pharmaceutical sector and increase the exports of medicines from Pakistan. The minster urged the Pharmaceutical companies to increase their exports.  The company’s management shared their plans to increase their exports in the next few years.

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Pak-Qatar Family Takaful, Pakistan’s first and largest Takaful Company proudly announces the launch of its Family Sehat Plan. It is considered among the first  Individual health Takaful plan available across Pakistan in over 60 cities.

This launch is aligned with Pak-Qatar Takaful group vision of providing financial protection through Takaful to everyone. Family Sehat plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions for any injury, illness, condition or symptom, medication, advice or diagnosis and includes medical outlay, laboratory test costs, hospitalization costs, including critical illness. The services also include Cashless Hospitalization in over 200 Hospitals across Pakistan, worldwide health coverage.

This is the first of many other Takaful products introduced for our valued customers. More details about Pak-Qatar Family Takaful’s Family Sehat Plan can be obtained from visiting our nearest branch, our website or by calling our 24/7 call center 021-111-TAKAFUL (825-238).

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Fahad Mustafa, renowned actor and TV personality, announced his collaboration with Reckitt Benckiser (RB), makers of Dettol, as the official brand ambassador for RB’s social pledge ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’. As an ambassador of Hoga Saaf Pakistan, Fahad Mustafa will be involved in creating awareness and educating people regarding personal hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness for a healthier, cleaner and greener Pakistan. The idea is to make people realise that by simply ensuring cleanliness of ourselves, our homes and our neighbourhoods, we all can collectively ensure a Saaf Pakistan!

Fahad announced his ambassadorship for ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’ on the first of Ramadan during the special Ramadan Transmission in one of the country’s renowned show

Starting this Ramadan, building up on “Safai Nisf Eeman Hai” , RB along with its strategic will be reinforcing the message of how one should take ownership of cleanliness around them across all media platforms.

With initiatives like ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan, running with such fervor to achieve their desired impact, it is positively anticipated that the country’s citizens will follow suit and take full responsibility to work towards the betterment of Pakistan. “Kyunke milkay lagayeinge jaan, tau Hoga Saaf Pakistan!”

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Coca-Cola Pakistan and Rotary International arranged a special briefing for media journalists based in Karachi to share updates on the positive impact of their on-going social well-being project titled ‘Zindagi’. This collaborative project with UNDP Pakistan aims to provide clean drinking water to parts of Sindh, Punjab, and KPK identified to be at a high risk of communal and waterborne diseases. Formal briefing was conducted by Aziz Memon, Chairman, Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee, Rotary International at the solar water filtration plant based in Baldia Town area of Karachi.

The media visit particularly highlighted solar water filtration plants, funded by Coca-Cola and installed by Rotary Pakistan PolioPlus, which provide clean drinking water to locals. Twelve solar water filtration plants have been installed in seven locations within Sindh, Punjab, and KPK, with seven in Karachi (Sindh), four in Punjab and one in Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

“Pakistan remains a polio-endemic country and we aim to make Pakistan polio-free by 2020. There has already been a decrease in the number of polio cases by 90% since 2014, and through the Golden Triangle approach, Coca-Cola has partnered with civil society and Rotary for the eradication of polio through the provision of potable water” commented Fahad Qadir, Director Public Affairs & Communications at Coca-Cola.

More than 120,000 people have so far benefited from this project, also including around 41,000 children, who now have sustainable access to clean water that is safe for drinking, domestic consumption, and productive use. In addition, 21 workshops on health and hygiene awareness have also been conducted so far in which more than 500 community members participated and more than 3,000 indirect beneficiaries have also been approached. 21 community meetings, attended by 470 local members, have also been arranged so far providing counselling on various health and hygiene related issues to local residents. Overall, this social well-being initiative has so far engaged with an impressive 17,800 number of households which is a sizeable volume on a nationwide scale.

As a result of these development and education based interventions, an improvement in emotional well-being and overall health is expected amongst 70% of the target population, especially amongst women, which is a positive step forward towards improving the overall standard of living of thousands of men, women and children living in these underprivileged and underserved areas.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Nestlé Pakistan organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) in Lahore. The blood donation drive at Nestlé’s head office was conducted as part of its Employee Volunteer Program – a platform for its employees give back to the society.

Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, said on the occasion, “I’d like to thank all the donors for their voluntary contribution. Blood donation is a healthy practice and with increasing awareness, we can help people in need, which is in line with the values of Nestlé Pakistan.”

Dr. Fauzia Saeed, PRC’s Blood Collection In-charge, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Nestlé for this blood donation drive, and look forward to setting up similar donation camps at its sites across the country.”

According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, Pakistan’s annual blood transfusion requirement is approximately 1.5 million bags, of which 60 percent demand is met by the private sector. Pakistan Red Crescent has so far managed to collect 96 percent voluntary non-remunerated blood donations under its ‘Safe Blood Program’.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Reckitt Benckiser’s social initiative HOGA SAAF PAKISTAN builds momentum as number of celebrities pledged to support Government’s vision of Clean Green Pakistan at an event held  at The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) school.

The event held a cluster of celebrities, who participated and educated the children on good personal hygiene practices such as handwashing etc.

 HOGA SAAF PAKISTAN is RB’s social outreach program in support of Government’s Clean Green Pakistan movement. Earlier this week, RB announced an investment of Rs. 1Billion for this program which will focus on three key pillars including personal hygiene, toilet hygiene and waste disposal. Under the umbrella, the Company plans on reaching out to 2 million school going children through its hygiene awareness programs, 1.5 million homemakers educating them on toilet hygiene as well as targeting 500 villages to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the end of 2019.

Reckitt Benckiser also announced its collaborations with ARY as media partners for HOGA SAAF PAKISTAN initiative. With the sheer reach of the ARY network RB’s Hoga Saaf Pakistan will get a chance to spread its message across the country and gather the positive momentum that Pakistan needs today. RB, along with ARY as a media partner, will also be organizing multiple cleanliness and plantation drives across the country to mobilize youth and develop sense of ownership towards cleanliness of the country.

Talking to the media, Fahad Ashraf, Chief Executive RB said, “HOGA SAAF PAKISTAN is RB’s social commitment for a cleaner, healthier and a prosperous Pakistan. With the Largest Media Network joining hands with us along with the Ministry of Climate Change, we want to reach out to all Pakistanis to support us in realizing this vision. Kyunke, Mil Kay Lagaenge jaan, toh Hoga Saaf Pakistan!”

Mr. Salman Iqbal, Founder and President ARY Digital Network said, “We believe Reckitt Benckiser’s Hoga Saaf Pakistan, in support of Government’s Clean Green Pakistan, is a very positive step towards the betterment of the country and ARY Digital Network is proud to be associated with it. We would like to extend all our support to this campaign as ARY Digital Network has always strived for a better Pakistan. For us, Pakistan always comes first!”

 

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Engro has reaffirmed its commitment to support the sustainable Development Goal 6 which is crystal clear on conserving the water so that the same can be provided to all by 2030.

On the World Water Day 2019, Engro conducted a graceful campaign at the plant site advocating the Sustainable Development Goal # 6 which helped create awareness among the employees, stakeholder’s and guests to make sure that we take adequate steps at all levels and at all places.  Speaking on the occasion, Plant Manager Zarkhez, Wajid Hussain Junejo, unveiled the strategy and plans to support the SDG6 to ensure availability of water for all by 2030.   

Most the population in Pakistan especially in rural areas has no access to safe drinking water and their lands, agriculture, households, schools, workplaces, farms and plants seem struggling to survive.

Wajid Hussain Junejo said that at Engro Zarkhez plant we continue to find new ways to conserve water so that the same can be available elsewhere for economic as well as social needs. We have been able to reduce our water consumption at the plant by a massive 45% by making our internal processes more efficient and using sprinkler irrigation system for the green patches. We launched pitcher irrigation system at site instead of flood irrigation and recycled the waste water ensuring nothing leaves our premises. We revamped our drinking water systems at site and established clean drinking water stations at various locations where quality of water is maintained on global standards frequently checking the set parameters. 

At Engro, we are passionate about ensuring that our policies and procedures are environmentally friendly. Over the decades, Engro continues to be more environmentally conscious and is aware of its surroundings, demonstrating our focus on the environmental improvements in line with global initiatives for collective benefit and providing a better tomorrow to the next generations. This year also, we remained true to our commitment to be an environmentally conscious organization by preserving our planet and meeting our environmental goals.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Reckitt Benckiser (RB), makers of Dettol and Harpic, has committed an investment of PKR 1Billion for the Government’s ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ movement under the Company’s social vision of HOGA SAAF PAKISTAN. This announcement was made by Fahad Ashraf, Chief Executive, RB Pakistan in a press briefing held at a local school. Malik Amin Aslam, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Siddiq Ahmed, Country Director WaterAid Pakistan, were also present as part of the collaboration between RB, Ministry of Climate Change and WaterAid Pakistan.

The officials visited the School Program, one of the initiatives undertaken by RB under Clean Green Pakistan (CGP) movement. This program aims to educate over 2 million school going children about cleanliness, health and hygiene.

Talking to the media, Fahad Ashraf said, ‘We at RB believe that as corporate citizens we have a responsibility to drive a positive change in the country. In August 2017, we started with our vision ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’ to make our country healthier and cleaner and have reached millions of Pakistanis since then. The collaboration with the ministry of climate change will really help us in scaling up our existing programs and launch a nationwide media campaign to spread further awareness. We invite all proud Pakistanis to help us in this mission to make our beloved country clean, green and healthy”.

On this occasion, Malik Amin Aslam said, “I am pleased to see the school kids being receptive to the hygiene messages delivered through the school program today. We welcome RB as our partner for the Clean Green Pakistan movement. Their commitment and sense of ownership is commendable. Through this collaboration, we aim to spread awareness about health and hygiene and encourage a sense of responsibility in Pakistanis towards improving hygiene and cleanliness for themselves, their homes and their neighborhoods.”

The Clean Green Pakistan is a comprehensive movement kicked-off by the Ministry of Climate Change which focuses on Liquid Waste Management; Solid Waste Management, Total Sanitation and Hygiene, Safe Drinking Water, and Tree Plantation. Amongst the other objectives of CGP, personal hygiene, toilet hygiene and proper waste disposal are the three key objectives supported through RB’s ‘Hoga Saaf Pakistan’ pledge. RB plans to continue working under these specific pillars by expanding on its existing programs while finding new sustainable avenues to support and achieve the larger objectives of the CGP movement.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) With its commitment to Prime Minister’s ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ initiative,  Nestlé Pakistan is paving the way for a sustainable environment by launching a country-wide tree plantation drive. Advancing the initiative, Nestlé Pakistan in partnership with Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI), conducted a tree plantation activity in Rose and Jasmine Garden, Islamabad led by Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz.

Geared at fostering a culture of sustained cleanliness and environmental well-being, the drive sheds light on Nestlé’s philosophy that revolves around striving towards zero environmental impact of their operations in a systematic and consistent manner. 

Speaking at the occasion, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan said, “The country-wide tree plantation and cleanliness drive is the result of Nestlé’s global and local commitments. We will be carrying out more cleaning and tree plantation drives in partnership with ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ as we pledge to plant 10,000 trees in the capital with partnership with MCI.” He further added, “Under the initiative, the company will be focusing on key pillars of Sanitation and Hygiene, kicking-off tree plantation drives and providing access to clean drinking water for communities. This initiative is completely aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Clean Water and Sanitation, and Life on Land.”

Mayor Islamabad, Sheikh Anser Aziz, while expressing his views said, “Islamabad is the capital city and face of Pakistan and we aim to enhance its green cover to make the city more environmentally sustainable. Not only do activities like these set things in motion, but also constitute a much-required push to awaken residents of the city. I would like to thank Nestlé Pakistan as they are venturing out from city to city to ensure a safe environment reflecting their commitment towards ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ and I hope other industry members will follow suit.”