Rs 3.75 billion earmarked for women health projects

Ministry of Health has allocated Rs 3.75 billion for women health projects in 20 districts of the country to improve health of infants and women.
Official sources on Thursday told APP that the ministry has also promulgated 'Nutrition Programme' with Rs 303 million to reduce the problem of malnutrition in the country.
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) programme has been launched to contain the menace of malaria and initiated DOTS strategy in 90 districts by the TB control programme which will be expanded to the whole of the country by 2005.
Reproductive health project has been launched in 34 districts to improve the health of mother and child.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) control programme has been launched to promote the use of iodised salt in general public.
72,000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) has already been engaged throughout the country to provide basic health services to the people at their doorstep.
National Drug Policy has been implemented to ensure the availability of quality drugs at reasonable price and implementation of Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non Smokers Health Ordinance has been accelerated, sources said.
Sources maintained that protection of Breast Feeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance 2002 has been promulgated to improve the health of infants and promote breast-feeding concept.
To prevent HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and to ensure safe blood transfusion the transfusion of Safe Blood Ordinance 2002 has been promulgated.
Vaccine for Hepatitis B has been introduced in the children's EPI regime and National AIDS control programme continues to provide free testing kit for hepatitis and HIV for the general public.
To protect the rights of mentally ill people, the Mental Health Legislation has been introduced and number of schemes for improvement of hospitals have been launched, ministry officials said.
Government has signed framework convention for tobacco control (FCTC), and a National Health Policy Unit has been established in the ministry of health to review and refine the health policy on continuous basis.
The government annually spends Rs 250 million on public health education campaigns through the electronic and print media to create awareness among the general public regarding health issues.