LAHORE– Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid gave away motorbikes to district TB Labs Supervisors at the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department here on Wednesday. The Motorbikes were donated by the WHO to Punjab Health Minister distributed keys to the staff.
Present on the occasion were Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Sarah Aslam, Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Haroon Jehnagir, Head of Office WHO Punjab Dr. Jamshed, Additional Secretary Admin P&SH Department Farid Ahmed, Professor Javed Chaudhry and other officials. The Health Minister also inaugurated the tree plantation campaign on the occasion.
The Health Minister said, “Pakistan is on fifth position among 30 countries facing TB cases. Out of these patients, 60% are form Punjab. We are grateful to the WHO for the donation of these motor bikes. Timely diagnosis can help control spread of TB. The WHO has also supported Punjab a great deal during the Corona Pandemic. Our District TB Lab Supervisors are experienced.
Free TB medicines are being provided to people at 306 BHUs, 146 DHQs and THQs, 33 Teaching Hospitals, 13 TB Clinics and 48 private sector public hospitals. In Punjab 636 microscopy Labs, 163 Gene Expert labs, 7 BSL2 and 3 BSL3 labs are providing free diagnostic services.
In year 2020, more than 500,000 people were provided microscopy services. Over 93 per cent new cases were provided free medicines. Lab supervisors have key role in lab monitoring and supervision. Today, all Lab Supervisors are being provided motorbikes with the support of the WHO.”
Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Sarah Aslam said she was grateful to the WHO for supporting the department. The WHO is also providing Bio Safety kits. She said the department is constantly in touch with the WHO experts.
The WHO is also providing support for staff training in Hafizabad currently. WHO Head of office Dr. Jamshed said the WHO shall continue to support the government for healthcare services. He said the Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid has rendered great services to health services in Punjab.— PRESS RELEASE
