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Bilawal Bhutto inaugurates state-of-the-art health facilities at JPMC

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KARACHI, Aug 19 (APP): Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Moday said new state-of-the-art facilities at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) would ensure substantive relief to people of Sindh, including Karachi.

He said it was definitely a gift of Sindh government to the people and prove to be as another milestone in healthcare sector.

The newly inaugurated units include the 120-bed Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the 110-bed Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, and the cutting-edge CyberKnife S7-FIM, continuing the Sindh province’s commitment to providing quality and free healthcare services to people.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony at JPMC, the PPP Chairman said that the standard hospitals were located in Sindh province and added that Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), and National Institute of Child Health (NICH) represented top healthcare institutions in the country.
He said that these three institutions stood as a beacon of hope and termed these as exemplary models of good governance and successful public-private partnerships by the provincial government.

He said this showed that how effectively the province had managed its institutions in the post-18th Constitutional Amendment . “You may have heard criticisms suggesting that the Sindh government does nothing or that we don’t undertake mega projects. But actions speak louder than words,” he added.

He emphasized that after the devolution of powers from the Center, the PPP-led provincial government had established one of the world’s largest heart hospitals, NICVD, besides offering free treatment to patients. Furthermore, NICH was providing free healthcare services to children, he added.

He mentioned that JPMC’s CyberKnife machine, used for cancer treatment, was available in only a handful of countries world wide. He pointed out that while cancer treatment using this machine abroad had a cost of over a thousand dollars, JPMC offered the same treatment for free, surely an unprecedented facility in the world.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also highlighted that the Royal College of Radiology had ranked JPMC’s cancer treatment department among the top ten in the world. He commended the contribution of Sindh’s business community for partnering with the provincial government in providing free healthcare services and recognized them as leaders in charity work across the country.

He said that Sindh government took pride in providing free and quality healthcare services to the public.

He further noted that the expensive PET-CT scan required for cancer diagnosis was also not offered free Sindh. He proudly stated that JPMC’s cancer department attracted patients from 167 cities across the country, as well as from 15 other countries.

He expressed his willingness to assist in establishing similar hospitals in other provinces and highlighted ongoing efforts to set up such facilities in Balochistan.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also participated in a signing ceremony between the Patients’ Aid Foundation and the Sindh Government for the Radiation Oncology Section at JPMC. The ceremony was also attended by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, provincial ministers, assembly members, and party leaders.

Building plans approval to go online by September 2024

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will start approving building plans through online system by September this year to the convenience of the visitors.
It was decided in a meeting, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Monday to streamline the approval process for residential and commercial building plans.
The online platform will enable citizens to submit and track their building plans from anywhere in the world, receiving real-time updates on the status of their applications.
Architects will also be registered on the system, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
To ensure a smooth rollout, Chairman Randhawa directed that CDA officers and staff undergo necessary training and be equipped with required IT equipment.
This initiative is part of CDA’s efforts to provide citizens with accessible services at their doorstep.
The authority is also launching a super app, offering over 150 services to the residents of Islamabad.
The Online Building Plan Approval System is a significant step towards e-governance and citizen-centric services in Islamabad.

Governor for change of traditional methods, old curriculum at universities level

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QUETTA, Aug 19 (APP): Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandukhail on Monday said we have to bring a revolutionary change in our traditional methods, old curriculum and manpower capacity at the level of public sector universities in order to keep pace with the ever-changing world.

He said that to achieve this goal, all the vice chancellors have been obliged to introduce subjects related to their universities and compatible with the market demands and avoid opening unnecessary subjects and unrelated departments completely.

He expressed these views during a briefing at Governor’s House Quetta regarding the performance and future plan of Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences (BUMHS).

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed Lehri and Principal Secretary to Governor Balochistan Hashim Khan Ghalzai were also present on this occasion.

The Governor Balochistan said that the time demanded that our higher education institutions would prepare more and more professionals according to their objective conditions and modern needs and even at the district level, design a program to have your own mechanics, technicians and machine operators.

He said that as the chancellor of all the public sector universities of the province, he issued instructions that all vice chancellors would identify irrelevant subjects and unnecessary departments in their universities and prepare his a road map to introduce only relevant and market oriented subjects.

In this regard, consider quality control measures to ensure the effectiveness of each new program, he said.

He said that it was commendable that the introduction of BS programs offered by Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences in various fields of Nursing, Medical Laboratory, Dental and Surgery etc. was a revolutionary initiative.

The idea of producing about 2000 medical specialists annually from the first medical university is very strange, however, long struggle and huge amount of money are also required for its practical application and then its completion, he said.

While appreciating the efforts of the Vice Chancellor of Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences and his entire team, he said that new ones were introduced, various BS programs would have very positive and constructive effects on the overall health system of the province.

The Governor said that it was very important to advertise the registration and entry test in these programs by August 30 so that the aspirants would not miss out on these significant opportunities.

CM message on International Humanity Day

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LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the great goal of serving humanity leads nations on the path to development.
In her message on International Humanity Day, she extended salutations to all those who serve humanity. “I pay tribute to the servants of humanity all over the world” she said. The CM said “I salute all rescuers, doctors, nurses, aid workers engaged in serving humanity. I consider the service to humanity as an act of worship. Education, health and welfare projects are the first priority to serve people,” she said and added that the service to humanity is her manifesto and motto.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that Pakistan’s first air ambulance service is launched to serve humanity. She added that upgradation of hospitals and health centers has been started to fulfil the commitment to serve humanity. Field hospitals, clinics on wheels and the delivery of free medicines at the doorsteps of patients across Punjab are the initiatives of the Punjab government to serve distressed humanity, she explained. Rescue 1122 is being deployed on motorways to fulfill the mission of serving humanity, she mentioned.
“We want to create a society where every human being has a right to live with dignity. Be a servant of humanity, help whoever is in trouble, it is a duty as well as our tradition,” she said. Serving humanity is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and it also earns the pleasure of Allah (SWT), she mentioned.

Minister reviews water situation in rivers

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LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):Provincial Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique on Monday visited Provincial Disaster and Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab to review the flood situation.
Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, while giving a detailed briefing about the flood reliefs and arrangements in the river valleys, said that medium to high flood levels passed through the river valleys of Rajanpur yesterday.
The minister said that due to the advance alert of PDMA and the administration, there was no loss of life or property. The situation of water in Kuchi Canal has also been reviewed.
The DG PDMA also gave a briefing about the water passages of the rivers from Kachi Canal.
The minister said, “On the instructions of chief minister Punjab, we decided to visit Rajanpur immediately along with DG PDMA. Flood relief camps and rescue activities in Rajanpur will also be reviewed. All resources will be utilised to protect citizens.”

Citizens urged to remove encroachments voluntarily

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SARGODHA, Aug 19 (APP):Commissioner and Administrator Municipal Corporation Jahanzaib Khan Awan has expressed gratitude to the people of the region over their cooperation in beautifying the city.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the commissioner applauded the initiative taken by local traders in constructing footpaths under a self-help programme. He noted that it was a unique example in the country. However, the commissioner expressed concern over widespread encroachments at public spaces in almost all blocks and other populated areas of the city.
He urged citizens to voluntarily remove all types of encroachments, including ramps, grills, garages, and makeshift bathrooms, within 10 days. Failure to comply would result in the Municipal Corporation demolishing these structures and imposing a fine of one lakh rupees and up to three years of imprisonment, he warned.
The commissioner highlighted that these encroachments had marred the city’s aesthetics and pose significant obstacles to rescue operations during emergencies such as heavy rains. He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the Municipal Corporation to make Sargodha a clean and encroachment-free city.

ICT exports remittances surges to US$286 mln in July: Shaza

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): ICT exports remittances reached US$286 million in the first month of Financial Year 2024-25 (July).

ICT exports increased 33.64% over the US$214 million remitted during corresponding period last year FY2023-24 (July), said Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

She in a statement said that the present government is committed for increase in IT exports.
Minister of State for IT said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan is fully focused upon uplift of the IT sector.

She said that on the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the full support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are taking steps to increase country’s IT exports.

Trade surplus of US$ 252 million, highest in all Services (88% of total ICT export remittances) has been realized by the IT & ITeS Industry during July 2024, an increase of 32.63% as compared to trade surplus of US$ 190 million during July 2023 . Whereas, the Services sector has overall recorded trade deficit of US$ 159 million during the month of July FY2024.

ICT sector exports of US$286 million are the highest among all Services (46% of total export of services) with ‘Other Business Services’ trailing at US$ 128 million.

PIA announces 30% fare reduction for Karachi to Jeddah & Madinah

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LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a significant 30 percent reduction in fares for flights from Karachi to Jeddah and Madinah.
According to a spokesman for the national airlines, the new one-way fare from Karachi to Jeddah or Madinah is set at Rs56,000, including taxes. The round-trip fare for these routes has been reduced to Rs88,000, inclusive of taxes.
Passengers can book these discounted tickets until August 31, 2024, with travel allowed until September 30, 2024. The new fares are effective immediately.

Nutritious and balanced diet imperative for healthy generation: FCCI VP

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FAISALABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Nutritious and balanced diet is imperative for a healthy generation and experts must play their role in creating much-needed awareness among the masses in addition to sensitizing housewives to cook and give calculated calories to their family members as per their body requirements, said Dr Sajjad Arshad, Senior Vice President, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI).
He was talking to a delegation from the Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) which was headed by Prof Dr Mahr-un-Nisa Director Industry-Academia Linkages. Dr Sajjad Arshad said that developing countries have limited financial resources and hence they must avoid heavy spending on treatment by promoting a culture of prevention of diseases.
He said that the role of nutritionists and dieticians is more important than the doctors who could save Pakistan from prevailing and emerging diseases by suggesting a balanced diet.
He said that 49% of women are anemic and 42% of children are suffering from stunted growth. “All these diseases could be effectively controlled by taking nutritious and balanced diet”, he said and added that most of the educated housewives are unaware of the actual food requirements of their family members.
He said that only one dish is prepared despite the fact that there was a wide difference for the needs of children of growing age and aged persons. “This unscientific and prevalent practice is creating multifarious diseases for children as well as for the oldies”, he said and added that a balanced diet is imperative for a healthy generation and we must introduce immediate reforms in this field.
He urged nutritionists and dieticians to play their proactive role in creating awareness about balanced and nutritious diets among the masses. He said that the poultry sector was providing cheap protein which is necessary to maintain human health and growth. He disclosed that the international poultry expo is scheduled to be held in Lahore from 26-28 September and nutritionists and dieticians must participate in it to forge unity and understanding among the food and health related sectors. He requested Dr Mahr-un-Nisa to share her participation plan in this international event so that its arrangement could be finalized.
Dr Mahr-un-Nisa said that GCUF will participate in this expo to give exposure to dieticians and nutritionists. “We would set up our stalls in addition to taking part in the different sessions of the expo”, she said and offered to send internees to FCCI provided they were compensated with minimum stipend.
She said that her department has also chalked out a plan to organize a big event in FCCI from September 8-10 to educate the business community about the importance of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.

Two schools, one BHU swept away in river water in DI Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 19 (APP):The buildings of two primary schools and a basic health unit (BHU) swept away here in Kacha area as the water level of Indus River increased due to recent heavy rains in Dera Ismail Khan.
According to details, the water level of Indus River was increased due to heavy Monsoon rains in recent days. The buildings of two primary schools including Beit Kalu and Beit Noorpur besides of BHU Khery Kacha swept away in the river water.
Assistant Commissioner Faseeh Ishaq Abbasi told media that the administration has made all the arrangements for Monsoon season, adding, the staff and machinery of the administration were present at the site for relief activities. He said the overall situation was under control and the people of affected areas were shifted to safe locations.
Replying to a question about the flood water in different areas due to heavy rains, the assistant commissioner informed that there was no more risk of flood as the rain water has been passed through Looni area of Kulachi. He said that no loss of lives was reported so far. Moreover, he said the water level of Indus River has also started to decrease.