The National Assembly was informed on Monday that Pakistan ranks among the highest out of seven Saarc countries in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), exposing government's tall claims of providing basic healthcare facilities.
To a query, State Minister for Health Shahnaz Sheikh said the Infant Mortality Rate for Pakistan has been estimated to be 75.9 per 1,000 live births as per Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2003.
She said Pakistan has the highest IMR out of seven Saarc countries according to the State of World Children Report 2005 by Unicef. Her answer brought sharp criticism from the opposition benches, who ridiculed government's tall claims of providing best healthcare facilities to people.
More shocking figures were tabled before the Lower House by the health ministry, showing that nearly 39,906 cases of Hepatitis have been recorded during 2004-05.
The situation is worst in North West Frontier Province where 15053 cases were reported. According to details, 6247 Hepatitis patients were recorded in AJK, 2530 in Balochistan, 590 Fata, 1089 Northern Areas, 2058 in Punjab and 12339 cases in Sindh.
The data obtained through federal government hospitals say around 8113 hepatitis patients were recorded there during the said period also.
As per details, 1234 patients were reported in Pims, Islamabad, 911 in FGSH, Islamabad, 5785 in S.Z.H Lahore, 118 in JPMC while 65 patients were recorded in NICH, Karachi.
It is heartening to note that the whole data, which is obtained through National Health Management Information System (HIMS), capture only roughly 15 percent data of the population of the country, leaving serious questions in every mind.
The Minister of State for Health also admitted that there have been reports of smuggling of substandard medicines into Pakistan from some countries.
She said Rangers and Coast Guards were directed by the ministry of interior to remain vigilant and take effective measures to completely check the smuggling of medicines.