Category: Health

LAHORE – Taking action on the complaints of negligence, inefficiency and irregularities in Saaf Pani Programme, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended Chief Executive Officer Waseem Ajmal.

Senior officer Col (r) Maqbool has been removed from the service while Chief Procurement Officer Shabnam has been suspended. A high power inquiry committee headed by Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has been constituted to review affairs of potable water programme while Advocate General Punjab, senior officer Ahad Cheema and other senior officials will be included in the committee.

The committee will submit its final report to the chief minister within next few days. On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister, the matter of inquiry of financial irregularities in Saaf Pani Programme has been handed over to anti-corruption which has started investigation in this regard.

He said that inefficiency, negligence and irregularities have been done in the hard earned money of the people of the province as a result of which resources have been wasted ruthlessly which is unpardonable.

Shehbaz Sharif said that criminal negligence has been displayed in the affairs of clean drinking water programme and the responsible have wasted the precious time of Punjab government. He said that those officers who have displayed negligence have no right to remain on the posts.

The chief minister said that he is answerable to Allah Almighty as well as people of province and those officers who have delayed this public welfare mega project will be held accountable. It is intolerable that criminal negligence should be conducted in the project of provision of potable water to the common man and the responsible officers remain on their posts, he added.

 

Islamabad—Minister of State and Chairperson BISP MNA Marvi Memon otherday said there is a strong need to target and invest on the disabled persons to provide them with education, skills, health protection and increased subsistence.
Speaking on the launching ceremony of the pilot project on disable care on the International day for People with Disabilities at BISP Secretariat, Marvi said disability dynamics must be kept in mind while policy making on poverty alleviation, a press release issued here said.
The event was attended by a number of BISP beneficiaries and their special children. The purpose of the event was to motivate and support beneficiaries with special children making them inspiration for other weak and disabled. During the ceremony, three disabled children Nasreen, Qasim Khan and Aqsa were nominated as brand ambassadors of BISP. Chairperson BISP said the lives of these brand ambassadors will be tracked by the BISP and through the support and platform of the BISP they will emerge as a source of inspiration and hope for other special people. She added the selection of the BISP brand ambassadors will be extended to other provinces and regions as well.
During a discussion session on issues of special persons, beneficiary mothers appreciated the efforts of Chairperson BISP for the poor and highlighted their problems. They iterated that lack of education and medical facilities add to the woes of the disable and there must be skill training for their children so that they may become self sufficient. Marvi directed her team to facilitate in enrolling beneficiary children to special educational institutes and rehabilitation centers. She added that medical treatment would be provided to them under Prime Minister National Health Programme.
Beneficiaries from Punjab would be facilitated in getting Khidmat Card whereas beneficiaries from other provinces would be linked with similar programs in their respective provinces. The chairperson instructed her team to contact Bait-ul-Maal for the provision of automatic wheel chairs and other facilities for the BISP beneficiaries. She highlighted that in the absence of recent population census data, National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) of the BISP is an invaluable source for effective policy making on poverty and disability. The key findings of “Population of Pakistan: An Analysis of NSER” by PIDE highlight that 2.27 million out of 133 million population surveyed in Pakistan in 2010 have some form of disability. The prevalence of disability has reduced over the period, as disability prevalence was found to be 2.5% in 1998 census and is 1.7% as per NSER. Males account for 57.8% and females for 42.2% of total disabled population. During the event, an inspirational story was also narrated to the disabled children, aiming to boost their morale and motivating them to pursue their dreams in life. Books were distributed among the disabled children as well.

LAHORE – The country is observing yet another World AIDS Day today (December 1) when bridging gap between the number of identified and actual HIV positive patients is still the biggest challenge like in the previous years.

The event is observed globally on December 1 since 1988 for raising awareness about the pandemic, preventive measures and treatment of HIV positive patients.

Like the previous years, public sector and private institutions have planned performing the usual ritual of holding seminars, walks and symposiums to mark the day but without any sincere efforts to identify all HIV positive patients and raise awareness to stop transmission of the deadly virus to other people.

So far about 11,000 people have been tested HIV/AIDS positive. The United Nations, however, estimated that the HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan are from 87,000 to 120,000. As such majority of the patients are yet to be identified that poses threat of transmission of virus to healthy individuals through matrimonial and extra marital relations, unscreened blood transfusion and reuse of syringes.

Though majority of the events will be arranged today, the Punjab AIDS Control Program organized an awareness seminar yesterday, a day prior to the global observance of World AIDS Day.

Minister Primary and Secondary Healthcare Kh Imran Nazir was the chief guest.

PACP invited more than 300 HIV positive children who were given gifts by the chief gust.

It was informed that since 1998 to date 11295 HIV positive cases have been reported in Punjab and PACP was bearing treatment expenses of 7742 registered HIV/AIDS patients.

PACP is running nine consultative, 13 diagnostic centers for HIV/AIDS. Moreover, there are four centers for controlling transmission of HIV virus from the infected pregnant women to their babies.

Addressing the participants, Kh Imran Nazir said that Punjab was the only province with approved PC-I of HIV/AIDS Control up to 2019. He said that anti viral medicines for AIDS patients were costly and not available in the market. He said that PACP has started to prepare a databank of infection careers for which screening of truck drivers and cleaners has been started during the last month. He said that special teams of Health Department were deputed for blood samples collection at Babu Sabu truck stand for screening of diabetes, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS and blood grouping. He said that after screening, people with negative samples would be vaccinated against hepatitis B. In case HIV positive, he would be provided free treatment. He said that government has launched a comprehensive program to prevent diseases for which special attention has been paid to hospital waste management, controlling of reuse of disposable syringes and creating awareness for barbers, dentists regarding sterilization of tools before use. He said that regular awareness campaigns were essential. Director PACP Dr Adnan Zafar highlighted the achievements of PACP.

ISLAMABAD: UNICEF Country Representative in Pakistan, Angela Kearney said that through coordinated and collaborative efforts of the international organisations and the government of Pakistan, polio will be eradicated from the country by the end of this year.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, Angela Kearny said that in 2014 there were 309 polio cases in Pakistan and the number has significantly reduced to 17 this year (2016).

She said in 2014, 500,000 children could not be accessed for giving polio drops, however, today this number has also been significantly dropped.

High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, Perry John Calderwood speaking on the issue said that efforts should be made for the allocation of right resources for the development of the children.

LAHORE

Pakistan will observe 6th annual World Prematurity Day to reaffirm its commitment towards reducing the number of preterm births in the country. According to an estimate, 860,000 premature births are recorded each year in Pakistan of which nearly 102,000 children die due to related complications, says Unicef.

According to a handout issued on Wednesday, globally, 15 million babies are born before time each year and over 1 million children die before their fifth birthday. Pakistan is ranked second among the top ten countries that account for nearly two-thirds of all deaths from preterm birth complications. Without a major push to reduce these deaths, it will not be possible to reach the Sustainable Global Goal, endorsed by 193 countries, to end all preventable newborn and child deaths by 2030.

The World Prematurity Day 2016 will highlight innovations that show the most promise in transforming the prevention, diagnosis, and management of preterm birth. While it provides an opportunity to call attention to the heavy burden of death and disability when a child is born too soon, it is also a chance to talk about solutions.

Unicef emphasises that preterm births and child deaths can be reduced by strengthening health policies and services as well as improving access and care for mothers and newborns. Although notable achievements have been made in the health sector, a lot more is needed in terms of the quality of care for women and newborns.

An important aspect of prevention of preterm birth is adequate maternal nutrition which is critical for fetal development. Women with low Body Mass Index or low pregnancy weight gain are at increased risk for preterm birth. There are other proven low-cost interventions that are especially effective for preterm babies. These include antenatal steroid injections given to mothers in preterm labor, Kangaroo Mother Care, a technique used to keep the new-born warm and support breast feeding. Good hygiene care can help prevent multiple infections while early initiation of breast feeding within the first hour can particularly help prevent deaths.

LAHORE: The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is organising its 15th International Cancer Symposium from today at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.

This year, the theme of three-day symposium is “bringing progress to patients” which will focus on how to incorporate new advances in oncology into current practice. The program gives special consideration to promote and encourage local research by allocating additional sessions for free papers and poster presentations.

The Shaukat Khanum Cancer Symposium is committed to advancing science, disseminating knowledge & improving the practice of oncology. The programme will encompass oncological research and target all aspects of oncology, from prevention, diagnosis and treatment to palliation.–PR

More than 100 guest speakers and an expected 3500 delegates, from a wide range of disciplines, will participate in this internationally recognised scientific programme. There will be representation from many countries around the world, providing the delegates with information on the latest developments in the fields of basic science, research, diagnosis, and treatment as it applies to cancer.

The symposium will provide an international forum for oncologists and allied specialties to present and discuss the latest research results, ideas and developments in all areas of cancer care. This year, scientific sessions will focus on lung, breast, gastrointestinal, urological, gynecological, pulmonary, head and neck, hematological, neurological and pediatric malignancies.

In addition there will be sessions on pathology, nuclear medicine, palliative care, basic research and nursing. Workshops in paediatric oncology, nursing and pathology will also be part of this year’s program.

The Symposium Organizing Committee has finalised the arrangements for this mega event and hope that doctors, consultants and other medical staff will be benefited from this enlightening, invigorating and academically refreshing programme.

LAHORE – Like other parts of the globe, World Pneumonia Day will be observed across the country including Lahore tomorrow to raise awareness about necessary precautions to fight against number one killer of children under five.

Seminars, workshops and walks will be arranged both at the government and private level to raise awareness about pneumonia and measures to avoid children falling prey to the preventable disease.

Pneumonia accounts for 92,000 deaths of children under-five in Pakistan annually, making it the leading killer of children, said health experts at a press briefing at a local hotel yesterday to mark upcoming World Pneumonia Day.

“Globally, Pneumonia is one of the biggest killers of children causing 16% deaths under five and accounting for more than 920,000 death. It is alarming that Pakistan is among top five countries which account for 99% of childhood pneumonia cases,” said Dr Tahir Masood, President Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA).

“Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli (small sacs in lungs which fill with air when a healthy person breathes) are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake,” he added.

“Children under five with severe cases of pneumonia may struggle to breathe, with their chests moving in or retracting during inhalation (known as chest indrawing). Young infants may suffer convulsions, unconsciousness, hypothermia, lethargy and feeding problem,” Dr Tahir added.

“Pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common causes of pneumonia amongst children include: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).”

Dr Tayyaba Khawar Butt, Professor of Paediatrics, SIMS, said: “Preventing children from developing pneumonia in the first place is critical to reducing its death toll.” Fortunately Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (pneumonia vaccine) was introduced in Pakistan’s EPI program in October, 2012, and this achievement made Pakistan to become the first South Asian country to include PCV in its national immunisation program, she added.

She regretted that despite all efforts vaccination coverage was not optimistic and a lot need to be done to increase the coverage. Parents need to be educated about getting their children vaccinated as immunisation was a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases.

She added that vaccines were important to fight pneumonia. “Vaccines against pneumococcus, Hib, pertussis, and measles can prevent a significant portion of pneumonia cases from ever occurring,” Dr Tayyaba concluded.

Speaking at the World Pneumonia Day briefing at the Committee Room of the Directorate General Health Services, DG Health Dr Mukhtar Hussain Syed highlighted some of the steps taken by the government to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia in the province.

Director Expanded Program on Immunisation Dr Munir Ahmed, Health Specialist UNICEF Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rana, Pakistan Paediatrics Association representative and experts from WHO and EPI Program were also present.

“Pneumonia can be prevented by immunisation, adequate nutrition, and by addressing environmental factors,” the DG Health said.

According to him, a child survival group of technical experts has been formed to chalk out workable strategy. “In Punjab a new initiative to provide medical commodities for children suffering with Pneumonia and Diarrhoea has been initiated in the year 2016. The plan is being pilot tested in five districts with support from UNICEF-Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” he added.

The Punjab Expanded Program on Immunisation has introduced pneumonia vaccine as part of routine immunisation in 2012. The latest coverage survey reports suggest immunisation coverage above 86%. EPI EPI Director Dr Munir Ahmed said, “Punjab was able to increase routine immunisation progress from 64% (Penta-III) to 86% as per Neilsen Survey.”

By effective use of technology, the vaccinator attendance has improved from mid 50s to 97% as of last month, he added.

Unicef Health Specialist Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rana said that the recommendations of the Global Action Plan were being implemented through a project initially piloted in five districts. As part of the plan, necessary guidelines and training material was being updated.

In order to facilitate the provision of antibiotics, dispersible tablets were being introduced in place of syrup.

Also, the WHO and UNICEF have developed an integrated Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) that aims to accelerate pneumonia control with a combination of interventions to protect, prevent, and treat pneumonia in children. The GAPPD was signed by Pakistan in 2013.

National – Pakistan’s candidate for the Director General World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Sania Nishtar presented her vision and plan for the WHO at a forum hosted by the Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in London.

Dr Sania is contending for the slot of director general WHO with other candidates from other countries – including Italy, France, United Kingdom and Hungary – who also participated in the event, said a press release received here Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sania called for reinvigorating the world’s only universal membership multilateral health agency in face of the pressing global health challenges.

She outlined her priorities of bringing reforms to rapid fruition, embracing meaningful and timely transparency, institutionalising true accountability, ensuring value for money, and driving a culture based on results and delivery in order to transform the organisation.

Placing universal attainment of the highest possible level of health at the centre of her vision, she also highlighted her pledges, including delivering effective operational readiness in outbreaks and emergencies; strengthened action on global public goods; focus on supporting countries to reduce the health risks of climate change; and country-relevant support to achieve the SDGs, with an emphasis on universal health coverage and multi-sectoral action.

With her diverse experience in the areas of health, civil society, public sector and the multilateral system, Dr Sania expressed her commitment to deliver a renewed WHO.

She also promised to lead a WHO that leverages stakeholders’ contributions and inspires increased engagement and accountability.

During the event, Dr Sania also responded to questions from the audiences on a number of issues, including challenges to WHO, gender equity, accountability, a partnership with private sector, universal health coverage and north-south health divide.

Earlier, Dr Sania called on Lord Prior; UK’s parliamentary under secretary of state for health and apprised him about her candidature. Lord Prior appreciated her credentials and her professional experience and diverse background in the field of health.

Separately, she also met the High Commissioner for Pakistan Syed Ibne Abbas, who praised her achievements and contributions in the fields of health and governance.

With her professional expertise, experience and background, he termed Dr Sania the ideal candidate for the post of DG WHO.

Dr Sania Nishtar, a former federal minister and prominent global health leader with extensive experience in public health care, is among the six candidates nominated for the post of director general WHO. The election for the post will be held in January and May next year.

LAHORE – Chief Minister’s advisor on Health, Khawaja Salman Rafique on other day directed the provincial authorities to introduce four vaccines under the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) in next five years.

Chairing a Provincial EPI Steering Committee meeting in the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department at Birdwood Road, he said all out efforts would be made to reduce child mortality.

Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Ali Jan Khan, National Immunization Technical Advisory Group’s Chairman Tariq Iqbal Bhutta, DG Health Dr Mukhtar Hussain Syed, Director EPI/EOC Coordinator Munir Ahmed, Children Hospital’s MD Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Professor Akmal Laeeq from KEMU, Dr Zahida Sarwar of Pakistan Paediatrics Association and technical officials of UNICEF, WHO and Gates Foundation also attended the meeting.

The EPI Steering Committee was the apex technical body guiding the provincial EPI on technical and strategic decisions.

Salman Rafique asked the EPI program officials to complete their homework for the introduction of the following: Rubella, Hepatitis B birth dose, Diphtheria booster dose and DT vaccines.

Khawaja Salman also sought technical update on introduction of Cervical Cancer and asked to prepare detailed report on it.

The meeting reviewed the Diphtheria situation in Punjab and its preventive and curative measures.

EPI Director Dr Munir Ahmed presented a detailed analysis of Diphtheria situation in Punjab, pattern of cases in the country, as well as, the status of vaccination in the union councils which reported diphtheria cases in district Kasur.

NEW YORK:

The United Nation children’s agency says two billion children are breathing toxic air risking serious health effects including damage to their lungs, brain and other organs.

A new report from the UNICEF says that globally, 300 million children are exposed to pollution levels more than six times higher than standards set by the World Health Organization.

In new report, UN agency says 600,000 children under the age five die each year of diseases linked to air pollution.

Children face much higher health risks from air pollution than adults. Children breathe twice as quickly, taking in more air in relation to their body weight, while their brains and immune systems are still developing and vulnerable.

Millions more suffer from respiratory diseases that diminish their resilience and affect their physical and cognitive development.