Minister lauds pharma companies’ role in treatment

LAHORE: Caretaker Health Minister Prof Dr Javed Akram Thursday attended the 16th Pak Pharma and Health exhibition and conference at the Expo Centre as a special guest.

Stalls of various products were set up by pharmaceutical companies. On the occasion, the minister said the pharma industry in the country should get maximum development opportunities. He said pharmaceutical companies are playing an important role for modern treatment in the country. He congratulated the administration for holding the conference.

Cancer awareness walk, moot held

A cancer awareness walk and seminar was organised at Mayo Cancer Care Hospital, Manawan, attached to King Edward Medical University.

Prof Noreen Zafar, Prof Saira Afzal, Dr Fariha Sheikh, Dr Ali Goraya, Dr Amjad Zafar, Dr Ali Akbar, Dr Thobia Yaqub, Dr Zeeshan Niazi, Dr Mubeenud Din, Dr Nasir Hamdani and a large number of paramedics nurses were also present on the occasion. Caretaker Provincial Health Minister Professor Dr Javed Akram said the aim of the walk and seminar is to educate and raise awareness about cancer. He said the credit for the establishment of Mayo Cancer Care Hospital goes to Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. It is hoped that this hospital will be expanded further when the new government comes.

The minister said the mouth cancer is common in Pakistan due to gutka, pan and chalia. The main cause of breast cancer in women is not breast feeding children. If a mother breastfeeds her child, the chances of cancer are reduced by 50 percent.

The minister said the role of doctors in serving the suffering humanity is valuable. It is a matter of pride for me to be a doctor and a teacher more than a minister. He said that premature birth of newborn babies is 27 percent in Pakistan. Obesity increases the chances of getting cancer. Diabetes, blood pressure and cancer are common diseases in Pakistan.

The minister said at least Rs25billion should be allocated for Mayo Cancer Care Hospital in the coming days. He said the efforts of Prof Mahmood Ayaz, Prof Wasim Hayat and their team for the establishment of the hospital are commendable. He said one day Mayo Cancer Care Hospital will become the best cancer hospital in the world. The minister also appreciated the efforts of Prof Abbas Khokhar for organising the event.