Provincial Minister for Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Tanveer-ul-Islam has said there is need for promoting public awareness regarding preventive measures against hepatitis. He was addressing a seminar on "hepatitis" arranged by the Punjab Health Department with the co-operation of Pakistan Medical Society at University of Veterinary Sciences (UVS).
The minister announced that Health Department would offer free vaccination against hepatitis B to all faculty members and students of University of Veterinary Sciences.
He said the government had constituted a committee to check the working of private blood banks and it will be ensured that only screened blood is provided to the patients by private blood banks. He said a vigorous campaign was also being launched against quacks. Health Director General Dr Aslam Chaudhry appreciated the role of media in the drive against Hepatitis.
He said that Hepatitis vaccine has already been included in the vaccination course of children below one year of age. He said Rs 100 million had been allocated in the annual development programme of next year for the provision of treatment facilities to Hepatitis patients.
Approval has also been granted for the provision of incinerators in DHQs of 20 districts for disposal of solid waste. Those also addressed the seminar were Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz, Professor Saeed Khokhar, Professor Altaf Alam and Professor Zafar Chaudhry.