Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday presided over a high level meeting and discussed the proposals and matters relating to the establishment of hepatitis filter clinics in 36 districts of the province. The meeting decided to set up modern laboratories in nine divisions for diagnose of hepatitis.
Speaking at the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said the first state-of-the-art hepatitis filter clinic has started functioning in the site for the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute and such filtration clinics will be established in 36 districts of the province connected through satellite. Setting up a steering committee for the implementation of the plan of hepatitis clinic, CM Shahbaz Sharif said he will preside over the steering committee and plan for the establishment of the hepatitis clinics in all districts and all necessary arrangements for this purpose will be taken immediately.
He directed the concerning officials to make a comprehensive plan within 7 days for the setup of hepatitis clinics in 36 districts. He said the Punjab Government is working on a comprehensive hepatitis control program but a vigorous awareness campaign needs to be run for the prevention methods of hepatitis. He said creating awareness about hepatitis is the public service and the government will also table a hepatitis regulation bill soon. He said the model of the modern hepatitis clinic in Lahore will be replicated in all 36 districts. He said all existing liver treatment facilities should be up-grated and a detailed survey should be carried out to upgrade the facilities and the consultation with international health experts should also be made to treat hepatitis. Provincial ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Dr Ayes Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Secretaries Health, Finance, Construction, President Board of Governors Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute Dr Saeed Akhtar and other concerning officials also attended the meeting.