WHO team, PHC discuss safe blood transfusion

LAHORE: A high-level mission of the World Health Organisation (WHO), EMRO held a meeting with the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) to learn about the implementation of safe blood transfusion services through enforcement of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) of the PHC and other legislator provisions.

According to a press release, the WHO delegation, comprised of Regional Adviser WHO, EMRO Dr Franciscus Adrianus Konings, Medical Officer Blood and Transfusion Safety WHO, EMRO Dr Yetmgeta E. Abdella, and was accompanied by the Technical Expert Safe Blood Transfusion Programme of Pakistan Usman Waheed and Secretary Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority (PBTA) Dr Muhammad Athar. Chief Operating Officer, PHC, Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan led the Commission’s team, including Director Clinical Governance and Organisational Standards Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Salariya and Additional Director (Quality Assurance) Dr Qamar Salman.

Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan talked about problems and issues being faced for the safe blood transfusion services in both the public and private healthcare establishments (HCEs), and told that the Commission had offered every kind of support to the PBTA.

He mentioned that the PHC had collected data about all types of HCEs through census and developed their MSDS, including Standards for the safe blood transfusion in the hospitals where surgeries were taking place. “The laws and rules are in place, but their translation into action is an issue,” he said. Dr Athar said the PBTA would not be able to gain required results without support of the PHC, especially where the transfusions were taking place since the MSDS were also regularising the blood transfusion.

Dr Mushtaq told the meeting that the PHC had incorporated statutory requirements of the safe blood transfusion, and waste disposal. He said the HCEs offering surgical services must have adequate testing and storage arrangements as well.

PITB: A two-day PITB event kicked off at Arfa Software Technology Park here Friday.

The event seeks to promote the sustainability of technology startups. It aims to empower commercially viable mid-stage technology startups by providing access to multiple funding channels, specialised network of mentors and global exposure to establish high impact businesses. The second day proceedings include formal opening keynote address by Dr Umar Saif, Chairman PITB today (Saturday).

The event aims to bring together the finest investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, speakers, tech companies and media onto one platform where they all sit together to discuss strategic advantages, challenges and technology based opportunities.

The event will showcase Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape in its best possible way as all the activities and sessions would help to engage the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan on to a single platform.

This event comprises of Demo Day, a startup exhibit and Startup Rumble, a startup competition. Moreover, at the end of the event, cash prizes will be awarded to winning startups, which will help them to improve their financial footing.