Federal Health Minister Mohammad Naseer Khan has said that the government is committed to eradicate dangerous diseases like Tuberculoses, Polio and AIDS from the country and an amount of $ 286 million was allocated for this purpose.
He was addressing a press conference here on Thursday in connection with World TB Day.
"Out of the amount allocated, $ 80 million will be spend for polio control, 25 million for AIDS control, whereas 67 million for eradication of Tuberculoses," the Minister announced.
The country representative of World Health Organisation (WHO), Haleef Blay, TB control programme manager, Karam Shah and other senior officials of health ministry were also present on the occasion.
Naseer Khan said the country was in dire need of funds to control the spread of these diseases and added that if some portion of the defence budget were diverted towards the health sector, the country would do marvelously and at par with the developed countries.
About the women health facilities, the Minister said 70,000 lady health visitors were working throughout the country providing health facilities to women at their doorsteps. 25000 more LHVs would be enlisted soon to improve the maternity services, he added.
The minister said there was an urgent need to appoint more doctors in the rural areas.
He said all malaria-curing medicines were being prepared in the country and being distributed free of cost to the deserving people.
Health Minister termed the corruption and mismanagement in the health sector as real cause of its deterioration. He said that it is unfortunate that the negligence, corruption and poor administration marred the sector, which needs sincerity.
"We are determined to provide preventive diagnosis education and DOTS treatment to every needy individual by building effective partnerships at all levels and avoiding duplication and wastage of resources," he said.
Earlier, an awareness walk was organised led by Mohammad Naseer Khan and people from all walks of life participated besides girls/boys students. The walk started from the China Chowk and culminated at Argentina Park Melody Market.
The participants of the walk were holding placards and banners inscribed with the slogans such as "Every Breath Counts, 'Stop TB Now, 'Make Pakistan TB Free."
Comments
Comments are closed.