The government is considering to use 'Zakat fund' for the treatment of hepatitis patients, besides undertaking survey of such patients in Balochistan especially Bolan, official sources told Business Recorder.
"Prime Minister has directed ministry of religious affairs to look into the possibility of diverting Zakat fund to treat the patients of hepatitis," the sources added.
They said the decision was taken by the federal cabinet, in its previous meeting while discussing 'draft legislation to regulate medical devices' which was submitted by the ministry of health.
The cabinet was informed that hepatitis B & C, HIV and other communicable infectious diseases were posing a great threat to public health and use of safe medical devices was one of the key factors for control and prevention from these diseases.
Disposable syringes, infusion giving sets and intravenous catheters pose serious medical health hazard if they were not of standard quality. Their reuse was extremely hazardous, the cabinet was further told.
The cabinet was told that in order to address the infectious diseases, health ministry prepared a draft legislation, which was considered by the cabinet in its meeting held on January 05, 2005.
The cabinet decided that the draft legislation be reviewed in consultation with all the stakeholders, to make it transparent and simple and that over-regulation, undue powers to inspectors and excessive recourse to discretion should be excluded.
The ministry, sources said, prepared fresh draft in consultation with all stakeholders, which was cleared by the Prime Minister on a presentation made to him on July 28.
During discussion in the cabinet it was observed that among communicable diseases, hepatitis was one of the biggest killers but unfortunately its treatment was very expensive.
Ministry of religious affairs should, therefore, divert Zakat funds towards treatment of this disease and make the patients of hepatitis eligible to take financial help from Zakat fund, the sources continued.
It was also felt that awareness among people about the causes of hepatitis should be increased. The availability of credible blood testing facilities coupled with awareness campaign and diversion of financial resources towards treatment of these communicable diseases could go a long way towards their eradication.
A suggestion was made that a survey on incidence of hepatitis in Balochistan, especially in Bolan district, be carried out and thereafter, an appropriate action plan be accordingly prepared and implemented.
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