Daily Times

LAHORE: Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh Salman Rafique has said that an independent forum for the control of hepatitis on the pattern of dengue would be set up comprising officers of all departments concerned.

He said that a vigorous campaign against hepatitis among people was essential for which Pakistan Kidney & Liver Transplant Institute would play a pivotal role.He said this while talking to Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute Trust Chairman Prof Dr SaeedAkhtar, here on Friday.Secretary Primary & Secondary Health Ali Jan Khan and members of PKLI Trust were also present in the meeting.

Salman said that officials of Environment Department, Education, Auqaf, Punjab Healthcare Commission, Blood Transfusion Authority,Police, Home Department and PITB would be included in the commission.

Prof SaeedAkhtar said that the PKLI hepatitis clinic would be functional in December this year. He said that a target of 300 patients’ treatment has been fixed on daily basis. He said that PKLI, with the collaboration of Punjab government would conduct a survey to assess the intensity of hepatitis and a data bank of such patients would be prepared.

He said legislation is being carried out regarding safe blood transfusion and an amended draft bill had been sent to the standing committee of the assembly where the scrutiny of the bill is being finalised. Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Ali Jan Khan observed that for the time being, regulations of Epidemic Control Act would be helpful to cater the need.

Meanwhile, Salman Rafique inaugurated a two-day workshop on haemophilia, jointly organised by Pakistan Society of Haemophilia, Embassy of Denmark and a pharmaceutical company at a local hotel, here on Friday.

President Pakistan Society of Haemophilia General (R) Muhammad Ayub, Special Secretary on Health Dr. SajidMahmoodChauhan, Dean Children Hospital Prof. MasoodSadiq, Prof. Dr. Nisar Ahmed, Prof. Dr. Moona Aziz and other renowned haematologists participating in the workshop.