A meeting was held on Sunday to discuss areas of collaboration between Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) and the government of Punjab in launching a robust plan for prevention of diseases in Punjab.
Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Ali Jan Khan and Dr Saeed Akhter, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) President attended the meeting.
A team of doctors from the USA, who have committed to join PKLI for implementing the plan, also attended the meeting through video conference.
Rafique said that the importance of program’s implementation on a provincial level, use of reusable syringes and introduction of courses in nursing and other relevant education, are very important and assured that steps will be taken towards their implementation.
Dr Saeed mentioned that prevention of viral hepatitis is one of the major objectives of PKLI and the institute plans to launch its clinical activity soon. He said that the prevention plan will not only help in generating a robust database for every patient that will go through the process, but also put a major focus on identifying and preventing the associated risk factors with the disease.
Ali Jan Khan said that the government provided support and infrastructure, coupled with a strong technical support from hospitals, can result in an effective implementation.
Dr Ammara Naveed from the USA said disease surveillance, blood safety, infection control, education and treatment are the major objectives of the PKLI’s prevention plan. Dr Bilal from the USA appreciated the level of understanding and concern by the government and then shared some of his observations and comments.
He said the difference or delay in the allocation and the release of funds seem to be one of the major impediments in effective implementation of prevention programs at the government level. He said the focus should be put on taking extra measures for cleanliness in procedures like endoscopy.
