‘Hepatitis clinic in Punjab to be functional in Dec’

LAHORE: The Punjab government will set up an independent forum for control of hepatitis on the pattern of dengue control initiative in which officers of all the departments concerned would be included.

Advisor to Chief Minister on Health Kh Salman Rafique said this while talking to Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute (PKLTI) Trust Chairman Prof Dr Saeed Akhtar on Friday. Prof Saeed Akhtar said that PKLTI hepatitis clinic would be functional in December this year, adding that a target of treating 300 patients on daily basis had been set. He said PKLTI, 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.

Primary an Secondary Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan and members of PKLTI Trust were also present.Kh Salman Rafique said a vigorous campaign against hepatitis was essential in which PKLTI would play a pivotal role. He said that after the approval by the chief minister, a separate hepatitis forum would be established and the officers of departments of environment, education, Auqaf, Punjab Healthcare Commission, Blood Transfusion Authority, police, Home Department and PITB would be included in it.

Kh Salman Rafique said legislation was being made 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 was being finalised.

Ali Jan Khan observed that for the time being, regulations of Epidemic Control Act would be helpful. He said the focus should be on preparation of SOP for barbers, dentists, blood banks, hospital waste management and reuse of disposable syringes so that infected medical equipment and disposable items could not be reused which was a basic cause of spreading blood diseases.

Meanwhile, Kh Salman Rafique inaugurated a two-day workshop on haemophalia, jointly organised by Pakistan Society of Hemophilia, Embassy of Denmark and a pharmaceutical company at a local hotel.Pakistan Society of Hemophilia President General (r) Muhammad Ayub was also present.