Chairman Senate Mohammedmian Soomro has reiterated the resolve of the government to provide better healthcare facilities to people particularly children, who are future of the nation, adding that more than Rs 11 billion would be spend on their immunisation.
"At present more than 3000 EPI Centers with 9,000 vaccinators and 80,000 lady health workers are providing immunisation services, while in next five years Rs 11 billion would be spent on this programme," Soomro said while inaugurating 18th Biennial International Pediatric Conference here on Monday.
Soomro said that children mortality rate is still high in the country and a challenge for the government, adding Pakistan is in final stages of polio eradication and the government has allocated Rs 2 billion for the provision of safe drinking water.
"Children are 47 percent of country's total population and healthy children would help in having healthy nation tomorrow and the government has increased the allocations on health sector manifold," the Senate chairman said.
Soomro said the distinguished delegates have dedicated their lives, working closely with other professionals, government agencies, NGOs, and communities to make tomorrow better for children. The theme of the conference "Every child counts" speaks for the dedication of the PPA.
Earlier, newly elected PPA President Professor Dr Mumtaz Hassan presented the welcome address. Pediatric conference, which is part of medical education for paediatricians and general physicians, will have strong impact on achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs).
The conference held under the aegis of Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), representative organisation of child specialists in the country and working for betterment of children health will continue till March 15.