Pakistan

Present regime and dengue!

Written

2 years ago

Nov 02, 2021 02:38 AM

Imran Yaqub Khan

A few days ago I was busy in a meeting in my office when I received a call from a friend on my phone. I didn't listen to that call due to my busy schedule and thought that I would call back after finishing the meeting, but then the same friend's call started coming again.

Imran Yaqub Khan

I hung up the phone again and texted him that I was busy with the meeting, finished and called back. As soon as I read this message, this friend of mine sent me a reply message that Imran Bhai is an emergency, so contact me immediately. As soon as I read this message, I called this friend and he almost cried and told me that my sister is very ill, her platelets are very low due to dengue and the doctors have said that if you take her life If you want to save, take the patient to a good hospital in Lahore immediately. Brother Imran! Do something for God's sake, or my sister will die. We have made every effort for ourselves. There is no bed in any government or private hospital. Help us for God's sake.

I comforted him on my own and said: "You hang up. I'll do something." As soon as I hung up, I called a very close friend of mine, a doctor who is the CEO of a well-known private hospital in Lahore, and stated my case. Expressing his helplessness, Dr Sahib said to me, "Imran bhai, you are well aware that if I have the capacity for one bed, I should be present, but what can I do?" There is no room available and no bed in the ICU. All the hospitals are full of dengue patients. After hearing this denial, I contacted the owner of another well-known hospital in Lahore, located in front of Gaddafi Stadium on Ferozepur Road, through another friend, but got a similar response from there. On the other hand, my friend was constantly crying and calling me to do something for the sake of God.

With every call of his phone, not only my responsibility was increasing but also my embarrassment was constantly increasing. It was increasingly why I could not help him in this troubled world. In the midst of this predicament, I contacted another friend of mine, a doctor who also owns a large private hospital in Lahore, and asked him for some special compassion and help in this whole situation. He was especially kind and told me that there was no room or ICU bed available but that I could do something to alleviate the anxiety of you and your friend in the side room next to the ICU. This patient is admitted and his treatment is started immediately. I especially thanked the doctor and told my friend to take his sister to the hospital immediately.

After going through all this process, I was forced to think why we Pakistanis are deprived of even basic facilities for treatment in case of any disease? Under the Constitution of Pakistan, when it is the responsibility of the government to provide health and medical care to every Pakistani, then why do we have to stumble, be humiliated and seek recommendations for treatment. Don't ask the poor, even though they have money and resources, they have to beg for treatment in private hospitals. Room rent in most private hospitals is higher than in five star hotels, but the people who are willing to spend that much money still don't get the facilities. The poor die wandering around in government hospitals seeking treatment, but no one cares.

According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan spends only 1.2% of its GDP on health, while the WHO suggests Pakistan should spend 5% of GDP on health. When Prime Minister Imran Khan was in opposition, he was openly critical of the lack of health facilities and government policies. He also claimed that after the formation of the PTI government, revolutionary steps would be taken in the field of healthcare in the country, especially at government hospitals where all the medical facilities would be available to the common man. Has this happened? If you ask the truth, the answer is no.

Per official figures released in May 2020, Rs90.1 billion were spent on the health of 111.12 million people in Punjab, the country's largest province. That is Rs818.99 per annum and Rs 68.25 per month were spent for the health of an individual. The Sindh province, which came second in terms of population, spent Rs62.5 billion on the health of its 47.8 million citizens, i.e. Rs1,305 per citizen per year and Rs108.76 per month per month. Balochistan has a population of 12.3 million and has a health budget of Rs15.2 billion, i.e. Rs1,231.32 per citizen per year and Rs102.61 per month. In 2018-19, FATA was not integrated into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to which KP had set aside Rs23.5 billion for its population of 35.23 million. Thus, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spent Rs769.90 per person per year and Rs64.15 per month.

Speaking of Islamabad, the federation spent Rs12.4 billion in the health sector last financial year, which was for the citizens of the federal capital as well as for the areas under its jurisdiction. After Corona, dengue has raised more questions about the government performance. The PML-N has sharply criticized the government in this regard. Opposition leader in Punjab Hamza Shehbaz has even said the Punjab government is responsible for the spread of dengue in Punjab, which was pointed out by a report of the health department itself. This year's dengue campaign was ordered at a time when deaths were on the rise.

Whether the people trust the government or the opposition, the truth is that every Pakistani has a constitutional and fundamental right to access appropriate treatment.

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Imran Yaqub Khan

Imran Yaqub is senior journalist and analyst

Pakistan

Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation delegation meets Punjab governor

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman says good work of welfare organizations which are serving the humanity should be acknowledged as it motivates other people too.

Published

8 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 07:38 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Lahore: The delegation of Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation met Governor Punjab, Muhammad Balighur Rehman, at Governor House Lahore on Sunday.

The delegation comprised Chairperson Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Cecilia Lazaro, founder and Executive Director of Akhuwat Foundation, Akhuwat Foundation, Abubakar Siddique and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that good work of welfare organizations which are serving the humanity should be acknowledged as it motivates other people too.

Governor Punjab said that those who dedicate their lives for humanity are great. Governor Punjab while appreciating the welfare services of Amjad Saqib, head of Akhuwat Foundation, said that conferment of Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Award on him is honour for the country. He said that in Pakistan, Akhuwat, Edhi, Indus Foundation and other organizations like them are playing an important role alongside the government in poverty alleviation and social development. Governor Punjab said that people to people cobtact is very important in the relations between the two countries.

He said that many foreign delegations meet him and tell him that got a different perception about Pakistan from media before visiting, but they found it otherwise. The participants of the delegation thanked the Punjab Governor for inviting them to the Governor House. While expressing their views, they said that the people of Pakistan are very hospitable. On this occasion, the delegation was also given a visit to the Governor's House.

Meanwhile, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rahman expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of senior politician, Afzal Tarar. Governor Punjab also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the late Afzal Tarar's daughter, Saira Afzal Tarar and other bereaved family members. He said that the late Afzal Tarar was a man of principles. The deceased served the country and the nation with sincerity, he added. Governor Punjab said that his services for the country and the party will be remembered. He prayed that Allah Almighty raise the ranks of the deceased and give patience to the bereaved.

Besides, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rahman attended the walima ceremony of the sons of Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal at a local hotel in Lahore. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood thanked the Punjab Governor for attending the walima ceremony of his sons.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister of Law, Nazir Tarar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, provincial ministers, vice chancellors of universities and important personalities attended the Walima ceremony.

Sports

Pak women Vs WI: Fatima Sana ruled out of second T20I

The Pakistan Cricket Board says Fatima had experienced discomfort in her right ankle while bowling.

Published

8 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 07:47 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Karachi: Right-arm fast bowler Fatima Sana was ruled out of Sunday's second T20I against West Indies Women at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi due to an ankle niggle on Sunday

During the 16th over of West Indies innings in Friday's T20I, Fatima had experienced discomfort in her right ankle while bowling.

Following an assessment on Fatima’s injury after the match, the team management decided to rest her from Sunday's match.

Business

Rice exporters organize medical camps for agri-families, farmers

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the efforts are underway to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

Published

6 hours ago

Apr 28, 2024 09:52 PM

Hussnain Bhutta

Islamabad: The rice exporter associations, in collaboration with Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd and The Lord Sarfraz Foundation on Sunday organized successful medical camps and hygiene awareness Programs in Punjab for agri-families including farmers.

Rice Partners Pvt. Ltd. (RPL) is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of communities through innovative initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, and education, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, RPL continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. The organization, actively collaborating with farmers, farm workers, and local communities, places a special emphasis on contract farming programs.

Since 2015, RPL has been conducting medical camps throughout Pakistan, providing treatment to nearly 100,000 patients in various regions of the country.

In pursuit of its mission, RPL with collaboration of The Lord Sarfraz Foundation has conducted a series of free medical camps and personal hygiene awareness sessions in District Narowal (Punjab), underscoring the importance of proactive health measures in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is scarce.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Tariq, alongside Head of Sustainability Zafar Iqbal and Program Officer Mudassar Ahmed, led the planning and execution of field operations for complimentary medical camps and instructional workshops and training sessions.

Meanwhile on the occasion while talking to the media, CEO, RPL Ali Tariq said the lack of basic health information in rural areas contributes to poor health outcomes, emphasizing the vital role of such initiatives in improving overall well-being.

More than 1500 patients were the beneficiaries of free medical camps, he said.

Lady Health Workers (LHWs) deliver hygiene education, including personal hygiene, clean drinking water, mosquito-borne disease prevention, balanced diets, antenatal care, nutrition for vulnerable populations, and hepatitis prevention techniques. Educational materials were distributed, targeting community women and children, fostering a collective understanding of essential hygiene practices for a healthier lifestyle, he said.

Tariq said that thousands have benefited from the camps, receiving not only diagnosis and treatment but also free medicines.

RPL remains dedicated to bridging healthcare disparities, preserving the earnings of vulnerable populations, and fostering community well-being.