Dr Yasmin Rashid launches TB, E-TB Apps

LAHORE:Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid inaugurated the notification TB App and E-TB App at ‘Role of Media in Diagnosis and Prevention of TB’ at the committee room of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department here on Monday.

Speaking to the media, the health minister said, “I congratulate Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department for organising a workshop on a very important issue. The number of new TB infections is rising worldwide. The Punjab government is providing free diagnosis and treatment facility to 153,970 patients. This entire week, awareness for TB control will be held across the province and in the year 2020, the above number was diagnosed. Screening of over 500,000 people was done. After screening, 10,817 children were diagnosed. Pakistan is on fifth number in 30 countries having high number of TB patients. TB can affect any part of the body. By timely diagnosis, TB can be controlled in time. Generating awareness is very important for controlling TB in Punjab. We believe 30 to 40pc people are seeking treatment from private sector. TB patients face weak immunity issue. All pharmacies have been barred from selling over the counter medicines to TB patients. The availability of reliable data is crucial to control the disease.”

The minister said, “Our government has started issuing medicine cards to TB patients. The government is spending billions for prevention of communicable diseases. Media can play important role for control of diseases. I appreciate TB control programme for facilitating patients. The introduction of Notify App and E-TB App for pharmacies is a revolutionary step. The programme has imparted training to 1,733 doctors and paramedical staff. The district and provincial programme will be notified once case is notified at by practioners and pharmacies. The TB Control Programme is providing free treatment and diagnosis to registered patients at 306 RHCs, 126 DHQs and THQs, 32 jails and 27 TB clinics.”

Responding to queries, the health minister said that June 30, Sehat Cards will be distributed to all population of Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan Divisions. Positive cases are increasing in Punjab day by day. All the decisions of the NCOC will be implemented in letter and spirit, she said. She said by March 28, another consignment of one million doses will reach Punjab. “Another 6 million doses of vaccines will be received by April 15. Punjab government has earmarked Rs150 million dollars for the said activity. As per agreement, COVIX will provide vaccines for 45 million Pakistanis. The government will import 25 million doses by its resources. Due to better immunity, most of our cases are asymptomatic. Even in America, so far 29pc of over 60 have been vaccinated whereas UK and UAE have vaccinated over 50pc population of over 50 years of age. Four new vaccination centers are being set up in Punjab. The vaccination service is being provided to disabled people at their doorstep. Over 60 years people will also be vaccinated at their homes through ambulances. Vaccination services have not been stopped at any center in Punjab. There has never been vaccination shortage at any centre. All frontline workers are being vaccinated at the center,” the minister said.

Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Ms Sara Aslam, Director General Health Services Punjab Dr Haroon Jehangir, Project Director TB Control Program Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Dr. Jamshed from WHO and a large number of media personnel were present on the occasion. Project Director TB Control Programme Dr Saeed Akhtar gave briefing to the minister on facilities for registered patients.