logo
International Nurses Day marked

International Nurses Day marked

LAHORE: With the theme – 'Our nurses-our future–caring for nurses strengthens economies,' International Nurses Day was marked here like other parts of the world with a renewed pledge to ensure dignity, respect and professional development of nurses.
To mark the day, different events were held in which the speakers highlighted the critical role of a healthy nursing workforce in supporting the overall healthcare system. They said that nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics, providing high quality and respectful treatment and care.
They highlighted the role of nurses in Covid-19 pandemic. Without nurses and other health workers, we will not win the battle against outbreak, they said.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on the International Nurses Day said, 'Nurses are respected in every society. Every society is proud of their nurses who serve and help the sick as well as helpless with care. Nurses are the embodiment of hope, courage and love in times of sickness, pain and helplessness.'
She highlighted, 'Nursing is not just a profession but a sacred duty that is dedicated to the spirit of serving the ailing humanity day in and day out. The nurses served the nation without caring for their lives in every emergency situation including outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic across the globe. We can never forget these selfless sacrifices.'
The CM maintained, 'The Punjab government is determined to ensure dignity, respect and professional development of nurses in all government hospitals across Punjab.' She added, 'The Punjab government is developing the nursing sector on modern lines. Language courses are also being conducted and all possible steps are being taken for the uplift of nursing sector in Punjab.'
In line with the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a state-of-the-art Model Pharmacy has been established at Outdoor Department, Lahore General Hospital (LGH) to ensure the provision of high-quality, free medicines to patients without any discrimination.
The pharmacy was formally inaugurated by Principal Ameer uddin Medical College (AMC) Prof Dr Al-Fareed Zafar. During the ceremony, he appreciated the efforts of MS LGH Prof.
Prof Dr Al-Fareed Zafar stated that patients can get quality medicines free of cost from the Pharmacy between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm which will significantly reduce their difficulties and waiting time.
Medical Superintendent Dr Faryad Hussain briefed the Principal and informed that seven separate counters have been established at the Pharmacy for the convenience of different patient groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, male and female patients and Government employees.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pakistan, KSA ink $121m deals for health, energy projects
Pakistan, KSA ink $121m deals for health, energy projects

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Pakistan, KSA ink $121m deals for health, energy projects

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Friday reaffirmed Riyadh's unwavering support for Pakistan's development journey. Speaking at a ceremony marking the signing of consulting services contracts to support development projects in Pakistan - financed by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) - Al-Malki said the projects would provide vital services, boost economic growth, and contribute to the well-being of the Pakistani people. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed consultancy service contracts for three major projects in Pakistan — the King Salman Hospital in Tarlai and the Shounter and Jagran hydropower projects in Azad Jammu & Kashmir — with a combined financing package worth $121 million. The King Salman Hospital will be funded through a $20 million grant from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while the Shounter and Jagran hydropower projects will receive concessional loans of $66 million and $35 million respectively.

Genetic disorders drive childhood blindness in Pakistan
Genetic disorders drive childhood blindness in Pakistan

Express Tribune

time7 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Genetic disorders drive childhood blindness in Pakistan

Listen to article Hereditary and congenital disorders account for an estimated 40 to 60 per cent of childhood blindness cases in Pakistan, according to new findings from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. Experts warn that the widespread lack of early genetic diagnosis leaves many children permanently blind, imposing a long-term health and economic burden on families and the national healthcare system. The data originates from Pakistan's first Department of Ophthalmic Genetics, where molecular geneticist Dr Rutaba and a dedicated bioinformatician are decoding complex DNA mutations linked to severe paediatric eye diseases. Their work has uncovered previously undocumented gene mutations associated with retinal degeneration, childhood cataracts and optic nerve abnormalities. 'Our goal is to identify the genetic root of each case and guide families on future risks,' said senior consultant and head of the Oculoplastic Department, Dr Tayyab Afghani. Read More: When the body turns on itself He emphasised that while global advances in gene therapy offer hope, most hereditary eye conditions remain incurable, making early diagnosis and counselling essential. Specialists at Al-Shifa emphasise that the impact of childhood vision loss extends far beyond the individual. Children with undiagnosed genetic eye conditions often face delayed schooling, limited mobility and social isolation, factors that compound over time to restrict their economic potential. In rural areas, where access to specialised care is even more limited, families frequently rely on informal remedies or remain unaware that the condition may be inherited and preventable. In Pakistan, where marriages within the family are common, the risk of inherited disorders is significantly higher. However, genetic testing is virtually unavailable in public hospitals due to a lack of laboratory infrastructure and trained personnel. Consequently, many children receive a diagnosis only after irreversible vision loss, affecting their education and future productivity. Also Read: A mirror to the nation's young To address this gap, Al-Shifa Trust now offers free genetic testing for patients referred through its hospital network, a service that typically costs around Rs100,000 per person. Since the department was launched, it has analysed a select group of complex cases - each requiring intensive DNA sequencing - to identify hereditary patterns and build a growing national genetic database. Al-Shifa Trust urges families with children suffering unexplained or congenital vision problems to seek evaluation promptly. Early genetic diagnosis not only improves clinical outcomes but also reduces the long-term financial and emotional toll of blindness on individuals and society.

Health projects: Punjab introduces new monitoring system
Health projects: Punjab introduces new monitoring system

Business Recorder

time31-07-2025

  • Business Recorder

Health projects: Punjab introduces new monitoring system

LAHORE: In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Department of Health and Population has introduced a robust and centralized monitoring system to ensure transparent, accountable and timely execution of health-related development projects across the province. Going forward, all health sector initiatives will be monitored and evaluated through the department's Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, which will track project implementation, assess performance, and ensure alignment with provincial health priorities. A high-level meeting, chaired by Provincial Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir was held at the department's headquarters. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman Planning and Development Board Naeem Rauf, Secretary Health and Population Nadia Saqib, and other senior officials. To ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply at public hospitals, the meeting decided to establish 13 new oxygen feeders. This move will support 145 district and tehsil headquarters hospitals (DHQs and THQs), enabling them to receive over 44,000 oxygen cylinders per month, thus enhancing emergency and critical care capacity across Punjab. Khawaja Imran Nazir directed all vertical programs to submit detailed annual performance reports. He emphasized that as per the Chief Minister's instructions, routine and rigorous evaluations would be conducted to assess progress and impact. He reaffirmed the provincial leadership's commitment to healthcare reform, stating: 'Providing quality healthcare at the doorstep of every citizen is Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's foremost priority.' The minister also highlighted that the revamping of more than 4,000 health facilities is underway and progressing at a steady pace. Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman stressed the importance of effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely completion and quality delivery of health projects. He reiterated that reform efforts in the healthcare system are ongoing and that the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate would be further strengthened for improved oversight. He also issued directives for the verification of household registration data under the Community Health Inspector Program, calling for greater data integrity and on-ground accountability. The meeting reviewed progress on several flagship initiatives, including Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, Community Health Inspector Program, establishment of blood centers in Lahore, Okara, Muzaffargarh, and Jhelum and setting up of Cath labs in Attock, Jhang, Jhelum, Layyah, Mianwali, Kasur, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. The officials briefed that the Community Health Inspector Program is being implemented in two phases, with the geo-tagging of over 530,000 households already completed in the first phase. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store