Anti-rape crisis cell opens at Services Hospital

LAHORE:Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique inaugurated Anti-Rape Crisis Cell at Services Hospital here on Tuesday.

Khawaja Salman in his address said collecting evidence data in the Anti-Rape Crisis Cell would be of utmost importance. The scope of this anti-rape crisis cell will be expanded throughout the province.

Societies that do not respect women become jungles. Strict legislation will be ensured in this regard throughout the province, the minister said. US Consul General, Lahore, Kristen Hawkins, Deputy Country UN Women Jikoi Ketunuti and others were present on the occasion.

Additional Secretary Technical Dr Muhammad Waseem, Principal Services Institute Medical Sciences Professor Zohra Khanum and MS Services Hospital Dr Abid Mahmood Ghauri attended the inauguration ceremony. US Consul General Kristen Hawkins, Deputy Country UN Women Jikoi Ketunuti and Principal SIMS Professor Zohra Khanum expressed their views.

Hospitals directed to ensure cleanliness of blood banks

Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the MSs of government hospitals to ensure cleanliness of blood banks. The minister was attending a meeting at the Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education regarding the National Transfusion Policy Pakistan.

Speaking at the meeting, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said Special Investment Facilitation Council is a very important and credible institution. “The federal government and Punjab are working together to stabilise the country's economy. We are trying to ensure the use of clean blood in the treatment of patients in government hospitals. We are advocates of the mission of Safe Blood for All.

The use of clean blood during treatment is the fundamental right of every patient,” the minister said. He reviewed various suggestions and opinions regarding the National Transfusion Policy Pakistan. The Special Investment Facilitation Council appreciated Punjab’s Thalassemia Prevention Program.

Positive thinking vital for strong mental health: moot

A two-day conference titled ‘Innovation and Interventions: Advancing Mental Healthcare through Clinical Psychology' began at GCU Lahore on Tuesday. The speakers highlighted the importance of cultivating positive thinking and avoiding negative self-talk as a mean to enhance mental health.

The conference aimed to explore how clinical interventions can address mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and maladaptive cognitions. Expert psychologist Dr Ruhi Khalid, during her keynote address, said “Life is never free from stress, but positive thinking can help manage it”.

She shared practical steps to foster a positive mindset, encouraging participants to focus on uplifting thoughts and avoid self-critical dialogues in their daily lives. Chairperson of Psychology Dept at GCU Prof Dr Syeda Salma Hasan underscored that the event provided an essential platform for sharing knowledge about clinical interventions that can effectively address mental health issues.

She stressed the importance of making mental health services accessible to all communities. Renowned psychologist Prof Dr Asir Ajmal, in his address, spoke about the development of an independent psychological agenda for Asia.