The Punjab Government has planned to implement a comprehensive strategy to eradicate polio from the province by implementing well-designed emergency action plan in collaboration with all the line-departments and donor agencies associated with the child-health.
In this regard, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Punjab Nasir Khosa at Civil Secretariat on Tuesday. Administrative Secretaries and representatives of line-departments attended the meeting. The meeting was told that national emergency action plan had been chalked-out to interrupt transmission of polio virus by the end of 2011. The meeting observed that vaccination during high quality ammonisation campaign was a strong barrier to protect the children from this deadly virus. “It is important that we may not become complacent in the absence of polio cases in Punjab so far this year, but instead, must remain very vigilant and focused in our efforts to eradicate the virus from Punjab,” the CS said.
The meeting proposed that DCOs should hold meetings of district polio eradication committees two weeks before every anti-polio campaign with the purpose of planning for excellent implementation and high vaccination coverage. It is also essential that every plan should be endorsed by the designated medical officer and designated official from the DCO/TMA offices for the union council level and the same should also be reviewed by EDOs health and technical staff from the partner organisations.
The CS directed that vaccination staff should also reach to mobile populations by accurately mapping the location of all such settlements besides devising specific stand- alone plans for high quality vaccination coverage in high risk areas and populations, for example, children of brick kiln workers, construction site working families and nomadic camps. Similarly, it was also pointed-out that cable networks as well as the platform of Mosques is very effective to sensitise the parents to immunize their children.
Khosa directed that the provincial departments including Education, Revenue, Auqaf, Social Welfare, Police as well as Health related NGOs should be fully involved in this campaign so that no child, up to the age of five years, may not be left without vaccination.
“Eradication of polio virus from Punjab will be a great achievement. Let us all work together to protect the children of Punjab against this deadly disease. In order to achieve this goal, every child under five years of age must receive polio vaccine during the forthcoming polio campaigns,” added the Chief Secretary.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18
Friday, October 15
Down with prioritised health sector
Members Punjab Assembly of all political shades here on Thursday blasted the provincial government for the poor performance of the health sector while talking part in the general discussion on health.
The govt got a bad rap for poor health facilities, and members asked the Treasury to provide better medical facilities instead of raising embroidered slogans.
Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin pointed out that the health department was functioning without a minister, and resultantly, the administrative powers were with the bureaucracy. “To boil the egg, egg is needed, and a minister is required to run the department. The health sector depicts dismal and miserable picture, especially in the rural areas,” he observed, while pointing out that no one was taking notes to register members’ suggestions. He pointed out incomplete projects, like burn centre at Faisalabad, provision of free life-saving drugs – ‘no medicine available at RHCs and BHUs’ – 3000 vacant posts of doctors, bogus medicines and flight of talent. “The govt is wasting money on advertising Sasti Roti, dialysis facility, Income Support Programmes and others instead of taking steps beneficial to people,” he advised, while asserting that a lot was needed to be done for improving health sector.
Parliamentary Secretary health Dr Saeed Elahi, in his policy statement, enumerated steps taken by his govt aimed at ‘revolutionising the health sector’. He mentioned that Rs 2.25 billion had been spent for providing air-conditioners and generators to hospitals. He further added that 4000 senior and 2000 junior doctors, and 7500 nurses had been regularised. “Besides this, salary of post-graduates has been increased from Rs 15000 to Rs 22,000. Four new medical colleges have also been established that will help to produce another batch of 1000 doctors in addition to existent 2000,” he said.
Opposition’s Dr Samia Amjad asked the govt to fill vacant posts, and asserted that the department was facing shortage of funds since Rs 180 million were with the department, and it had to pay dues of Rs one billion. She alleged the govt of not completing projects, and allowing establishment of private medical colleges ‘to favour a few blue-eyed’.
The govt got a bad rap for poor health facilities, and members asked the Treasury to provide better medical facilities instead of raising embroidered slogans.
Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin pointed out that the health department was functioning without a minister, and resultantly, the administrative powers were with the bureaucracy. “To boil the egg, egg is needed, and a minister is required to run the department. The health sector depicts dismal and miserable picture, especially in the rural areas,” he observed, while pointing out that no one was taking notes to register members’ suggestions. He pointed out incomplete projects, like burn centre at Faisalabad, provision of free life-saving drugs – ‘no medicine available at RHCs and BHUs’ – 3000 vacant posts of doctors, bogus medicines and flight of talent. “The govt is wasting money on advertising Sasti Roti, dialysis facility, Income Support Programmes and others instead of taking steps beneficial to people,” he advised, while asserting that a lot was needed to be done for improving health sector.
Parliamentary Secretary health Dr Saeed Elahi, in his policy statement, enumerated steps taken by his govt aimed at ‘revolutionising the health sector’. He mentioned that Rs 2.25 billion had been spent for providing air-conditioners and generators to hospitals. He further added that 4000 senior and 2000 junior doctors, and 7500 nurses had been regularised. “Besides this, salary of post-graduates has been increased from Rs 15000 to Rs 22,000. Four new medical colleges have also been established that will help to produce another batch of 1000 doctors in addition to existent 2000,” he said.
Opposition’s Dr Samia Amjad asked the govt to fill vacant posts, and asserted that the department was facing shortage of funds since Rs 180 million were with the department, and it had to pay dues of Rs one billion. She alleged the govt of not completing projects, and allowing establishment of private medical colleges ‘to favour a few blue-eyed’.
Thursday, September 23
ETPB lies for closing Janeki Devi Hospital
If release of grant on time, renovation, incompetent staff and grouping among the employees are tangible reasons for the closure of any institute, then all the public sector institutions, whether being run by the federal or provincial government, should be closed.
As per sources, the Evacuee Trust Property Board is not willing to run the Hospital, which has been serving humanity since pre-partition. “As such there is no crunch except protecting a few for vested interests, and ultimately a façade of lies has been woven to dispose this health institute of,” observed an ETPB source, seeking anonymity.
Recently, the ETPB ordered shutting down of the decades old Janeki Devi Maternity Hospital, and its Secretary Amir Khan Wazeer reasoned that release of grant, incompetent staff and dissensions among employees were the main reasons. However, he did not accept the ETPB’s failure for running the Hospital.
Nevertheless, the assertion of the ETTB is contradicted by sources, who say that Rs 40million had been approved by the federal government for the poor, who are getting educational and health facilities from the institutions being run under the financial and administrative control of the ETPB. “In the last financial year, the ETPB spent Rs 34m, while this year, the Centre has made an increase of 18 per cent in the amount disbursed last year,” confided a source at the ETPB.
As per Hospital sources, the institute runs its financial matters through earnings from various heads like tests and admissions. “Rs 10million is with a bank, and only problem is of the over-staffing of lower staff recruited on favour-basis,” mentioned the source.
Secondly, it is leant that the Chairman ETPB Asif Hashmi – not available for comments – had distributed the amount of Grant-in-Aid to individuals for political gains which is against the Evacuee Trust Law enacted for the management of evacuee trust properties and maintenance of Gurdwaras and Temples of religious minorities. “If the ETPB is falling short of finances, then its Chairman should not have been wantonly distributing cheques hither and thither. This is all being done from the ETPB head, and considering its stupendous earnings from various sources, and grant from the Federal Government, there is not dearth of money,” confirmed the source, while also negating Chairman’s assertion that renovation was the reason for JKDH’s closure since it had been regularly done. “If renovation is the reason, then it is nothing at all and till this time, it has not been started yet,” added the source.
As for as incompetence of the staff is concerned, 10 to 20 years experienced and qualified staff is working and there were no complaints as such. “If incompetent staff is there, the responsibility lies with the ETPB, which has been making recruitments against the merit and policy of the federal government, and further protected them. However, the Hospital and the working staff was made scapegoat for the wrongdoings of the ETPB,” observed the source.
Thirdly, it is illogical to assert that grouping and tussle among doctors and paramedical staff led to the closure of the Hospital. “Grouping exists in all institutions, but it does not mean that these public welfare centres should be shut down to hide bad governance. Now the question is: Who is patronising this grouping?” quizzed the source.
To cover up these kinds of illegalities, the ETPB management has devised a plan to pressurise federal government creating hardship for the poor patients and unrest amongst the hospital employees so that the poor people may raise hue and cry against the federal government and the real issue of corruption in the ETPB may be sidelined.
As per sources, the Evacuee Trust Property Board is not willing to run the Hospital, which has been serving humanity since pre-partition. “As such there is no crunch except protecting a few for vested interests, and ultimately a façade of lies has been woven to dispose this health institute of,” observed an ETPB source, seeking anonymity.
Recently, the ETPB ordered shutting down of the decades old Janeki Devi Maternity Hospital, and its Secretary Amir Khan Wazeer reasoned that release of grant, incompetent staff and dissensions among employees were the main reasons. However, he did not accept the ETPB’s failure for running the Hospital.
Nevertheless, the assertion of the ETTB is contradicted by sources, who say that Rs 40million had been approved by the federal government for the poor, who are getting educational and health facilities from the institutions being run under the financial and administrative control of the ETPB. “In the last financial year, the ETPB spent Rs 34m, while this year, the Centre has made an increase of 18 per cent in the amount disbursed last year,” confided a source at the ETPB.
As per Hospital sources, the institute runs its financial matters through earnings from various heads like tests and admissions. “Rs 10million is with a bank, and only problem is of the over-staffing of lower staff recruited on favour-basis,” mentioned the source.
Secondly, it is leant that the Chairman ETPB Asif Hashmi – not available for comments – had distributed the amount of Grant-in-Aid to individuals for political gains which is against the Evacuee Trust Law enacted for the management of evacuee trust properties and maintenance of Gurdwaras and Temples of religious minorities. “If the ETPB is falling short of finances, then its Chairman should not have been wantonly distributing cheques hither and thither. This is all being done from the ETPB head, and considering its stupendous earnings from various sources, and grant from the Federal Government, there is not dearth of money,” confirmed the source, while also negating Chairman’s assertion that renovation was the reason for JKDH’s closure since it had been regularly done. “If renovation is the reason, then it is nothing at all and till this time, it has not been started yet,” added the source.
As for as incompetence of the staff is concerned, 10 to 20 years experienced and qualified staff is working and there were no complaints as such. “If incompetent staff is there, the responsibility lies with the ETPB, which has been making recruitments against the merit and policy of the federal government, and further protected them. However, the Hospital and the working staff was made scapegoat for the wrongdoings of the ETPB,” observed the source.
Thirdly, it is illogical to assert that grouping and tussle among doctors and paramedical staff led to the closure of the Hospital. “Grouping exists in all institutions, but it does not mean that these public welfare centres should be shut down to hide bad governance. Now the question is: Who is patronising this grouping?” quizzed the source.
To cover up these kinds of illegalities, the ETPB management has devised a plan to pressurise federal government creating hardship for the poor patients and unrest amongst the hospital employees so that the poor people may raise hue and cry against the federal government and the real issue of corruption in the ETPB may be sidelined.
Thursday, August 19
Punjab Assembly passes Healthcare Bill 2009
In the absence of the Chief Whip at the Punjab Assembly, Leader of the House (Chief Minister Punjab) Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday stayed on the floor for about three hours apparently for keeping the meeting quorate while the Assembly was passing the Punjab Healthcare Bill 2009.
Though the Treasury voted out all the amendments proposed by the Opposition, the latter, especially its members Dr Samia Amjad and Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, fought tooth and nail to get their proposals registered. At one point, in the continuous absence of the Opposition Leader, it seemed that the Opposition comprised only the Doctor and Leghari. Not only pointed out quorum in the presence of the CM, they made it certain to keep the Treasury on toes, which seemed to be having just Minister Law Rana Sanaullah Khan on board regarding the Bill – mostly replying to amendments with tongue-in-cheek comments, especially about Q-League’s past allegiance to Pervez Musharraf – while the rest were present only to say ‘Noes’ to amendments and ‘Ayes’ to clauses. How well prepared the Treasury members were and level of their interest in the Bill, could be gauged from the fact that Rana Sana on every voting has to raise his right hand to suggest them what to utter. It was done when the Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal and Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan – certainly knowing what was expected of the Treasury to do whether to say loud ‘Noes’ or ‘Ayes’ – Rana Sana used to raise his hand. Mohsin Leghari objected to it when he suspected the Speaker of saying suggestive with-raised-voice ‘Noes’ or ‘Ayes’ to the Treasury. However, it continued till the Bill was passed and the House was adjourned till Friday (today) 9am. Opposition’s Mohsin Leghari observed that instead of passing the Bill in hurriedly manner, more time should be spent on it ‘to discuss and dilate more’, but it proved to be futile.
Seeing impending defeat on every amendment, Dr Samia and Leghari even went to the extent of pleading – using words like ‘please’ ‘request’ – but it did not deter the Treasury from adopting its course of bulldozing the Opposition having just a little numerical presence, but pragmatically argumenting and certainly well-prepared for the job.
The Bill mainly deals with the Healthcare Commission and Governance of the Healthcare establishments, services and its providers. It has come into force immediately, and demands that all the concerned should be registered with the government, who will be issued licences to carry on practice.
Though the Treasury voted out all the amendments proposed by the Opposition, the latter, especially its members Dr Samia Amjad and Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, fought tooth and nail to get their proposals registered. At one point, in the continuous absence of the Opposition Leader, it seemed that the Opposition comprised only the Doctor and Leghari. Not only pointed out quorum in the presence of the CM, they made it certain to keep the Treasury on toes, which seemed to be having just Minister Law Rana Sanaullah Khan on board regarding the Bill – mostly replying to amendments with tongue-in-cheek comments, especially about Q-League’s past allegiance to Pervez Musharraf – while the rest were present only to say ‘Noes’ to amendments and ‘Ayes’ to clauses. How well prepared the Treasury members were and level of their interest in the Bill, could be gauged from the fact that Rana Sana on every voting has to raise his right hand to suggest them what to utter. It was done when the Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal and Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan – certainly knowing what was expected of the Treasury to do whether to say loud ‘Noes’ or ‘Ayes’ – Rana Sana used to raise his hand. Mohsin Leghari objected to it when he suspected the Speaker of saying suggestive with-raised-voice ‘Noes’ or ‘Ayes’ to the Treasury. However, it continued till the Bill was passed and the House was adjourned till Friday (today) 9am. Opposition’s Mohsin Leghari observed that instead of passing the Bill in hurriedly manner, more time should be spent on it ‘to discuss and dilate more’, but it proved to be futile.
Seeing impending defeat on every amendment, Dr Samia and Leghari even went to the extent of pleading – using words like ‘please’ ‘request’ – but it did not deter the Treasury from adopting its course of bulldozing the Opposition having just a little numerical presence, but pragmatically argumenting and certainly well-prepared for the job.
The Bill mainly deals with the Healthcare Commission and Governance of the Healthcare establishments, services and its providers. It has come into force immediately, and demands that all the concerned should be registered with the government, who will be issued licences to carry on practice.
Tuesday, December 4
Green chillies....
More of benefits, less of ill-effects! Hence eat good quantity of green chillies…
All chilli-peppers contain phytochemicals known collectively as capsaicinoids.
Capsaicin was shown, in laboratory settings, to cause cancer cell apoptosis in rats.
Recent research in mice shows that chilli (capsaicin in particular) may offer some hope of weight loss for people suffering from obesity.
Canadian researchers used capsaicin from chillies to kill nerve cells in the pancreases of mice with Type 1 diabetes, thus allowing the insulin producing cells to start producing insulin again.
Research in humans found that "after adding chilli to the diet, the LDL, or bad cholesterol, actually resisted oxidation for a longer period of time, (delaying) the development of a major risk for cardiovascular disease".
Australian researchers at the University of Tasmania found that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chilli pepper.
Chilli peppers are being probed as a treatment for alleviating chronic pain.
Spices, including chilli, are theorized to control the microbial contamination levels of food in countries with minimal or no refrigeration.
Hot peppers can provide symptomatic relief from rhinitis and possibly bronchitis by thinning and clearing mucus from stuffed noses or congested lungs.
Several studies found that capsaicin could have an anti-ulcer protective effect on stomachs infected with H. pylori by affecting the chemicals the stomach secretes in response to infection.
By combining an anaesthetic with capsaicin, researchers can block pain in rat paws without causing temporary paralysis. This anaesthetic may one day allow patients to be conscious during surgery and may also lead to the development of more effective chronic pain treatments.
Possible health disbenefits:
A high consumption of chilli is associated with stomach cancer.
Chillies may sometimes be adulterated with Sudan I, II, III IIV, para-Red, and other illegal carcinogenic dyes.
Aflatoxins and N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic, are frequently found in chilli powder.
Chronic ingestion of chilli products may induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
Chilli may increase the number of daily bowel movements and lower pain thresholds for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Chillies should never be swallowed whole; there are cases where unchewed chillies have caused bowel obstruction and perforation.
Consumption of red chillies after anal fissure surgery should be forbidden to avoid postoperative symptoms.
Ingestion of even small amounts of hot chillies may temporarily aggravate the symptoms affecting haemorrhoid patients, such as pain, itching, and bleeding.
All chilli-peppers contain phytochemicals known collectively as capsaicinoids.
Capsaicin was shown, in laboratory settings, to cause cancer cell apoptosis in rats.
Recent research in mice shows that chilli (capsaicin in particular) may offer some hope of weight loss for people suffering from obesity.
Canadian researchers used capsaicin from chillies to kill nerve cells in the pancreases of mice with Type 1 diabetes, thus allowing the insulin producing cells to start producing insulin again.
Research in humans found that "after adding chilli to the diet, the LDL, or bad cholesterol, actually resisted oxidation for a longer period of time, (delaying) the development of a major risk for cardiovascular disease".
Australian researchers at the University of Tasmania found that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chilli pepper.
Chilli peppers are being probed as a treatment for alleviating chronic pain.
Spices, including chilli, are theorized to control the microbial contamination levels of food in countries with minimal or no refrigeration.
Hot peppers can provide symptomatic relief from rhinitis and possibly bronchitis by thinning and clearing mucus from stuffed noses or congested lungs.
Several studies found that capsaicin could have an anti-ulcer protective effect on stomachs infected with H. pylori by affecting the chemicals the stomach secretes in response to infection.
By combining an anaesthetic with capsaicin, researchers can block pain in rat paws without causing temporary paralysis. This anaesthetic may one day allow patients to be conscious during surgery and may also lead to the development of more effective chronic pain treatments.
Possible health disbenefits:
A high consumption of chilli is associated with stomach cancer.
Chillies may sometimes be adulterated with Sudan I, II, III IIV, para-Red, and other illegal carcinogenic dyes.
Aflatoxins and N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic, are frequently found in chilli powder.
Chronic ingestion of chilli products may induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
Chilli may increase the number of daily bowel movements and lower pain thresholds for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Chillies should never be swallowed whole; there are cases where unchewed chillies have caused bowel obstruction and perforation.
Consumption of red chillies after anal fissure surgery should be forbidden to avoid postoperative symptoms.
Ingestion of even small amounts of hot chillies may temporarily aggravate the symptoms affecting haemorrhoid patients, such as pain, itching, and bleeding.
Friday, May 5
Breast-feeding saves mothers from cancer
Mothers can save themselves from breast cancer by breast-feeding their infants, as it helps children to grow stronger develop immunity against diseases.
This was stated by Postgraduate Medical Institute Principal Prof Sajjad Hussain, while speaking at a one-day workshop on “Benefits of breast-feeding” organised by Maternity and Child Health Department of Lahore General Hospital on Friday.
Saying that Islam is a natural religion, Prof Hussain said all Islamic teachings directly relate to the natural requirements of human beings. “For this reason, the Quran has also severally asked mothers to breast-feed their children for first two years,” he said, while adding that breast-feeding offer great benefits to children and mothers, and it also helps in spacing between children.
LGH Paeds department head Prof Akmal Laiq explained benefits and importance of mother’s breast milk in ensuring child’s health.
Dr Sheraz said mothers prioritise the health of their infants while adopting modern world fashions. “Breast-feeding is a complete dose for infants and they do not require any supplementary for certain period of their age. The infants, who get breast milk, automatically avoid feeders and pacifier,” she said, while adding that the breast-feed infants grow taller with strong bones.
King Edward Medical University’s Prof Riffat Ashraf, Prof Tariq Bhatti, Dr Naila Tariq and LGH Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Ahmad Sheikh stressed for the launching of an effective advertisement campaign to promote the importance of breast-feeding among women.
Later, Prof Sajjad Hussain distributed certificates among the workshop participants. The hospital’s gynaecology department doctors, nurses and paramedics attended the workshop.
This was stated by Postgraduate Medical Institute Principal Prof Sajjad Hussain, while speaking at a one-day workshop on “Benefits of breast-feeding” organised by Maternity and Child Health Department of Lahore General Hospital on Friday.
Saying that Islam is a natural religion, Prof Hussain said all Islamic teachings directly relate to the natural requirements of human beings. “For this reason, the Quran has also severally asked mothers to breast-feed their children for first two years,” he said, while adding that breast-feeding offer great benefits to children and mothers, and it also helps in spacing between children.
LGH Paeds department head Prof Akmal Laiq explained benefits and importance of mother’s breast milk in ensuring child’s health.
Dr Sheraz said mothers prioritise the health of their infants while adopting modern world fashions. “Breast-feeding is a complete dose for infants and they do not require any supplementary for certain period of their age. The infants, who get breast milk, automatically avoid feeders and pacifier,” she said, while adding that the breast-feed infants grow taller with strong bones.
King Edward Medical University’s Prof Riffat Ashraf, Prof Tariq Bhatti, Dr Naila Tariq and LGH Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Ahmad Sheikh stressed for the launching of an effective advertisement campaign to promote the importance of breast-feeding among women.
Later, Prof Sajjad Hussain distributed certificates among the workshop participants. The hospital’s gynaecology department doctors, nurses and paramedics attended the workshop.
Wednesday, April 12
Early diagnosis of breast cancer for better life, Cheri Booth Blair
Pak has highest rate of breast cancer in Asia
For breast cancer, 1 bed for 150,000 persons
First lady of England Cherie Booth Blair said early diagnosis of the breast cancer is the key to better life of the patients as the treatment will be kinder and less intrusive.
This stated this while addressing a session of the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme here on Monday held at the Fatima Jinnah Medical College (FJMC).
Cherie Booth Blair, who is also Patron of the Breast Cancer Care of the UK, considered Betty Westgate as one of the pioneers of the awareness after the latter was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1968, and suffered a lot. “At that time, there was almost no awareness about this disease, but now the situation is entirely different after a passage of over three decades. It is because of the reason that women in the UK are familiar with the breast cancer and they more familiar with the bodies after awareness has been transmitted to them about various diseases,” she stated.
While stressing the need for early diagnosis of breast cancer, Cherie Blair maintained, “Early diagnosis is a must for better life, as the treatment becomes kinder and less intrusive. Moreover, a patient has comparatively less pain to go through than treatment of a delayed diagnosis.”
While expressing her dismay at the shocking statistics of breast cancer among the Pakistani women where 50 percent of the females do not report for treatment, and they die without going to the doctor. “These women are being disempowered. The breast cancer is not about death and punishment. Early diagnosis ensures long life provided there is a proper treatment of this,” she said, while adding that women felt embarrassed while talking about their intimate body parts, “but she is only person who knows about it. Many women are closing their eyes towards this. We have been very successful in the UK in acknowledging that the breast cancer with education of females. We pationately believe that if they understood the problem, the worst happening could be prevented,” she said.
While pleasantly gesturing at the situation where every second female doctor in Pakistan is a gynaecologist, Cherie Blair said many women preferred to be treated by female doctors. She was of the view that situation in Pakistan could be changed through awareness. “Young doctors should be concentrating on transmitting knowledge about breast cancer. For this, no huge amount of money is involved, but it takes a lot of effort for certain,” she said, while maintaining that individuals’ stories could be useful in taking a step forward instead of brushing the problem under the carpet. “We made a difference in the UK, and the figures can be changed here as well. By doing this, Pakistan can become an example for the other countries of the region,” she concluded.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Tahir Ali Javed said the breast cancer is the commonest of malignancy among women in Pakistan. “35 percent of women suffer with this disease; so 57 per 100,000 cases are here. Out of 90,000 cases in Pakistan, 50 percent are in the Punjab. On the other hand, in the developed countries, 80 percent of the cases are diagnosed at an early stage while the same number of cases in Pakistan are never diagnosed,” he told, while adding that only 10,000 cases were reported to doctors. “In the US, age for breast cancer is 60 years, while it is 45 years in Pakistan. So here, patients are afflicted with the disease earlier, and they die earlier,” he said.
While talking about the situation of treatment in Pakistan, Dr. Tahir said five were qualified oncologists, while only about 16 were radiologists for the breast cancer. “There are seven facilities in the government sector in the Punjab, while four in the federal and one in the private sector, that is, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Hospital. There are 500 beds for 83 million in the province, that is, 1 bed for 150,000 patients. This has augmented further problems of the disadvantaged women,” he said.
Dr. Tahir, while talking about his government’s performance, said the government was upgrading cancer facilities apart from increasing the budget allocation for the breast cancer treatment. “Medical curriculum are being upgraded, and oncology is being made as a major subject. Moreover, a full-fledged cancer centre is in the process, which will be completed by the end of this year,” he concluded with a quotation of Mother Teresa.
National Coordinator National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Omer Aftab, while maintaining that the Pink Ribbon is an emblem of hope for breast cancer, said Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer for any Asian population accounting to 40,000 deaths per year. “Approximately, 35 percent of Pakistani women will suffer from breast cancer at some point in their lives, whereas very little information is available in Pakistan and only cases at an advanced stage are reported,” he said, while adding that with early diagnosis, a patient’s chance of surviving breast cancer was higher than 90 percent.
Secretary Health Muhammad Javed Malik delivered the welcome address, while Principal FJMC Prof Muhammad Akbar Chaudhry read vote of thanks. Both the speakers lauded Cherie Blair’s efforts towards the disadvantaged class, especially for women. On this occasion, a pamphlet was distributed among the audience seminar, which contained stale information apart from grammatical mistakes.
For breast cancer, 1 bed for 150,000 persons
First lady of England Cherie Booth Blair said early diagnosis of the breast cancer is the key to better life of the patients as the treatment will be kinder and less intrusive.
This stated this while addressing a session of the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme here on Monday held at the Fatima Jinnah Medical College (FJMC).
Cherie Booth Blair, who is also Patron of the Breast Cancer Care of the UK, considered Betty Westgate as one of the pioneers of the awareness after the latter was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1968, and suffered a lot. “At that time, there was almost no awareness about this disease, but now the situation is entirely different after a passage of over three decades. It is because of the reason that women in the UK are familiar with the breast cancer and they more familiar with the bodies after awareness has been transmitted to them about various diseases,” she stated.
While stressing the need for early diagnosis of breast cancer, Cherie Blair maintained, “Early diagnosis is a must for better life, as the treatment becomes kinder and less intrusive. Moreover, a patient has comparatively less pain to go through than treatment of a delayed diagnosis.”
While expressing her dismay at the shocking statistics of breast cancer among the Pakistani women where 50 percent of the females do not report for treatment, and they die without going to the doctor. “These women are being disempowered. The breast cancer is not about death and punishment. Early diagnosis ensures long life provided there is a proper treatment of this,” she said, while adding that women felt embarrassed while talking about their intimate body parts, “but she is only person who knows about it. Many women are closing their eyes towards this. We have been very successful in the UK in acknowledging that the breast cancer with education of females. We pationately believe that if they understood the problem, the worst happening could be prevented,” she said.
While pleasantly gesturing at the situation where every second female doctor in Pakistan is a gynaecologist, Cherie Blair said many women preferred to be treated by female doctors. She was of the view that situation in Pakistan could be changed through awareness. “Young doctors should be concentrating on transmitting knowledge about breast cancer. For this, no huge amount of money is involved, but it takes a lot of effort for certain,” she said, while maintaining that individuals’ stories could be useful in taking a step forward instead of brushing the problem under the carpet. “We made a difference in the UK, and the figures can be changed here as well. By doing this, Pakistan can become an example for the other countries of the region,” she concluded.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Tahir Ali Javed said the breast cancer is the commonest of malignancy among women in Pakistan. “35 percent of women suffer with this disease; so 57 per 100,000 cases are here. Out of 90,000 cases in Pakistan, 50 percent are in the Punjab. On the other hand, in the developed countries, 80 percent of the cases are diagnosed at an early stage while the same number of cases in Pakistan are never diagnosed,” he told, while adding that only 10,000 cases were reported to doctors. “In the US, age for breast cancer is 60 years, while it is 45 years in Pakistan. So here, patients are afflicted with the disease earlier, and they die earlier,” he said.
While talking about the situation of treatment in Pakistan, Dr. Tahir said five were qualified oncologists, while only about 16 were radiologists for the breast cancer. “There are seven facilities in the government sector in the Punjab, while four in the federal and one in the private sector, that is, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Hospital. There are 500 beds for 83 million in the province, that is, 1 bed for 150,000 patients. This has augmented further problems of the disadvantaged women,” he said.
Dr. Tahir, while talking about his government’s performance, said the government was upgrading cancer facilities apart from increasing the budget allocation for the breast cancer treatment. “Medical curriculum are being upgraded, and oncology is being made as a major subject. Moreover, a full-fledged cancer centre is in the process, which will be completed by the end of this year,” he concluded with a quotation of Mother Teresa.
National Coordinator National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Omer Aftab, while maintaining that the Pink Ribbon is an emblem of hope for breast cancer, said Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer for any Asian population accounting to 40,000 deaths per year. “Approximately, 35 percent of Pakistani women will suffer from breast cancer at some point in their lives, whereas very little information is available in Pakistan and only cases at an advanced stage are reported,” he said, while adding that with early diagnosis, a patient’s chance of surviving breast cancer was higher than 90 percent.
Secretary Health Muhammad Javed Malik delivered the welcome address, while Principal FJMC Prof Muhammad Akbar Chaudhry read vote of thanks. Both the speakers lauded Cherie Blair’s efforts towards the disadvantaged class, especially for women. On this occasion, a pamphlet was distributed among the audience seminar, which contained stale information apart from grammatical mistakes.
Tuesday, April 4
60,000 die of TB every year in Pakistan, Dr. Nazim
About 60,000 people die every year on Pakistan because of Tuberculosis primarily due to the poor TB management and improper medical care, and Pakistan is rated at number 7 in the comity of nations on the TB chart.
This was stated by Head Pulmonology Department Shaikh Zayed Hospital Dr. Nazim Bokhari, while addressing a seminar on TB management here on Tuesday in connection with the World TB Day.
While describing the magnitude of the TB problem in detail, he also told that 85 percent of the population was exposed to the tuberculosis. "Almost 85 percent of adult population in this country has been infected and more than 1.2 million people in Pakistan have active disease. About 60,000 patient die every year due to TB in Pakistan in spite of the fact that TB is still a curable disease," he said, while adding that in world ranking among high TB burden countries Pakistan owing to the poor TB control in Pakistan.
He maintained that proper training of doctors was essential "so that adequate medications are prescribed, proper follow up is arranged and patient education is given a priority. On a national level, TB can be controlled if DOTS strategy is implemented in its true spirit," he added.
Dean Shaikh Zayed Hospital Prof. Anwaar A. Khan lauded the efforts of Pulmonology Department for organising continuous medical education programmers for the junior doctors. Large number of doctors from various specialities attended the clinical conference.
This was stated by Head Pulmonology Department Shaikh Zayed Hospital Dr. Nazim Bokhari, while addressing a seminar on TB management here on Tuesday in connection with the World TB Day.
While describing the magnitude of the TB problem in detail, he also told that 85 percent of the population was exposed to the tuberculosis. "Almost 85 percent of adult population in this country has been infected and more than 1.2 million people in Pakistan have active disease. About 60,000 patient die every year due to TB in Pakistan in spite of the fact that TB is still a curable disease," he said, while adding that in world ranking among high TB burden countries Pakistan owing to the poor TB control in Pakistan.
He maintained that proper training of doctors was essential "so that adequate medications are prescribed, proper follow up is arranged and patient education is given a priority. On a national level, TB can be controlled if DOTS strategy is implemented in its true spirit," he added.
Dean Shaikh Zayed Hospital Prof. Anwaar A. Khan lauded the efforts of Pulmonology Department for organising continuous medical education programmers for the junior doctors. Large number of doctors from various specialities attended the clinical conference.
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