Latest news with #AzraFazalPechuho
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
World Population Day: Message from Hafeezullah Abbasi, Secretary Population Welfare Department, Government of Sindh
Population Welfare Department Sindh commemorates World Population Day on 11th July to raise awareness about the adverse impacts of the province's high population growth rate, currently at 2.5%. This day highlights the need for sustainable population management and the wide-ranging benefits of smaller family sizes, including improved health, education, economic stability, climate resilience, and a better quality of life. Under the leadership of Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh, the department has undertaken several key initiatives to strengthen family planning (FP) and reproductive health (RH) services: Digitalization of Client Data: The department transitioned from paper-based client registration to a real-time Electronic Client Record (ECR) system, enabling evidence-based decision-making. All PWDS service delivery points (SDPs) are now on ECR, while PPHI and DoH would be reporting fully on ECR these years. Contraceptive Commodity Security: Despite import and foreign exchange challenges, PWDS continues annual contraceptive procurement under a pooled provincial model, ensuring supply for all public and private stakeholders. Post Partum Family Planning: PPFP/ PAFP services are introduced at tertiary hospitals of Health Department. Population Welfare Department Sindh provides training and contraceptives to all Tertiary Care Hospitals of Sindh. The Counsellors, hired by vital Pakistan international, are available 24/7 there to counsel the families to seek PPFP/PAFF services. Functional Integration: The functional integration with public and private sectors is streamlined for providing Family planning services. Visibility and Accessibility of Service Delivery Points: 230 FWCs are branded resulting in improved visibility of Family Welfare Centers and increase in FP client's number. With the support of private partner(TCI/Green Star)the facilities are made over in Hyderabad and Karachi. Monitoring System: Traditional report-based Monitoring Mechanism is improved by introducing modern electronic and real time web-based Monitoring system under mHealth scheme. Awareness Sessions: For spreading meaningful awareness regarding benefits of Family Planning, department has made a structured plan to conduct awareness sessions in universities, colleges, and higher secondary schools to sensitize youth. Public Private Partnership: Population Welfare Department Sindh fully supports public private partnership in terms of family planning services. NGOs, private health networks and private health facilities are registered to provide FP services. 428 private partners are registered. Male engagement and Social Male Mobilization: The Social Male Mobilizers are activated. Male Moblisers strategy and Male engagement Strategy are prepared with the support of Jhpiego and Pathfinder respectively. Willows International is collaborating as a result over 3,236 NSV (Non-Scalpel Vasectomy) cases performed in 2 years.1213 cases in 2025 alone - showing growing male participation. In Larkana 109 cases have been performed in the last 2 months. On this occasion, I extend my sincere appreciation to the entire PWDS team and our valued partners for their dedication and contribution. Together, we remain committed to upholding reproductive rights and addressing the demographic challenges faced by Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Budget debate focuses on govt's performance
The Sindh Assembly continued its debate on the provincial budget for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, focused on the government's ongoing efforts to improve public services, uplift living standards, and address core issues across the province. Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho shared her department's performance in detail. She highlighted that 19 chest pain units are currently operating in Karachi. She also announced plans to procure CT scan and MRI machines and improve ICU facilities in public hospitals. The minister dismissed rumors that Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has been handed over to any NGO. MQM-Pakistan MPA Iftikhar Alam criticised the Sindh government, claiming discriminatory treatment towards Karachi. He questioned the necessity of the billion-rupee Karimabad underpass. He demanded a district-level revenue distribution formula similar to the NFC Award. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah criticised the federal government's economic survey, alleging that outdated data was used to misrepresent Sindh's performance. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar outlined various initiatives taken to improve law and order in the province. He mentioned a noticeable decline in several categories of crime compared to previous years. According to the minister, 7,441 mobile phones were snatched in the past year, but the frequency of such incidents has dropped.
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Baldia hospital: CM inaugurates 100-bed SICVD
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah marked another significant milestone with the inauguration of The Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) Baldia Town Hospital, a new facility poised to deliver world-class, free-of-cost cardiac healthcare and announced to launch a second catheterisation lab and develop surgical operation theatres next year in the hospital. He said this while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the 100-bedded SICVD Baldia on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by Minister Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and Executive Director SICVD Professor Jawaid Akbar Sial, elected representatives of Kiamari and West district, medical professionals, and others. The SICVD facility was originally intended to be inaugurated by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. However, due to his leadership of Pakistan's high-level delegation in response to Indian aggression, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah officiated the inauguration on his behalf. Background: The CM said that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had initiated the construction of the hospital years ago, funded by the Sindh government, but the project remained incomplete for a considerable time. The Sindh government later collaborated with SICVD, completing the hospital in just over eight months. The CM proudly announced that SICVD has evolved into the world's largest cardiac healthcare network, operating 10 full-fledged cardiac hospitals and 29 strategically located Chest Pain Units (CPUs) across the province. This extensive network currently treats over two million patients annually, all completely free of cost. He detailed the comprehensive services offered, including open-heart surgeries, stroke interventions, paediatric cardiac care, and emergency angioplasties, ensuring timely access to advanced cardiac treatment even in remote areas. Karachi alone, Murad Shah noted, is home to 19 chest pain units, strategically positioned in high-traffic locations such as Nagan Chowrangi, Landhi, Gizri, and within institutions like KIHD and JPMC. Beyond Karachi, CPUs are operational in districts like Thatta, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Umerkot, effectively bringing emergency cardiac care to patients' doorsteps. Providing a broader context of development in Sindh, the chief minister shared recent data indicating that a total of 579 projects have been initiated or are currently underway across various public service and infrastructure sectors. To ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of these initiatives, 22,621 personnel, including technical staff, frontline workers, and administrative personnel, have been deployed. These figures, he highlighted, underscore the significant scale of development and human resources mobilised to benefit the people of Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM stresses urgency, accountability in anti-polio drives
While presiding over a meeting of the Provincial Polio Task Force, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the necessity of accountability at every level. He said, "every missed child is a potential case." Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and In-charge EOC Irshad Sodhar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister on the upcoming anti-polio drive. Polio remains a threat The CM said that polio continues to pose a threat that cripples our children. "We are making all-out efforts and convening Provincial Task Force meetings regularly to send a clear and loud message to the entire administration to launch campaigning as a mission," he said. Health Minister Dr Azra informed the CM that 10 wild polio cases have been reported in Pakistan so far in 2025, including four from Sindh. Additionally, 11 out of 35 sewage samples collected between April 7 and April 24 tested positive for wild poliovirus, indicating continued virus circulation. May campaign targets The May campaign will reach over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 1,292 Union Councils in all 30 districts of Sindh. The operation will be supported by more than 80,000 trained frontline workers and 25,539 law enforcement personnel, including female constables. Tackling refusals To address persistent challenges in high-risk areas, especially in Karachi, 157 doctors have been deployed to target 6,780 sick refusals. The CM directed to activate the Refusal Conversion Committees (RCCs) in the defaulting UCs.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian aggression: Sindh Assembly adopts resolution to mark ‘Day of Gratitude' for victory
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a euphoric resolution to designate a 'Day of Gratitude' for a divine success against Indian military aggression and eulogized the Pakistan Armed Forces for their valour and the historic triumph. The resolution was presented by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho. The jubilant Assembly postponed its regular agenda to prioritize this significant resolution. The text expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for 'granting honour and success to the Pakistani nation and its military.' It paid tribute to civilian and military martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan-India war of May 2025 and thanked friendly nations for supporting Pakistan during challenging times. The resolution strongly condemned India for 'repeatedly violating the United Nations resolutions and international laws,' emphasizing its disregard to the global norms. Addressing a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticized New Delhi for never denouncing acts of terror carried out on this side of the border. In contrast, Islamabad not only condemned such incidents across the frontier but also offered independent probes. He underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty is neither revocable nor subject to amendment, yet the 'Butcher of Gujarat' brought it up unnecessarily during recent tensions. The CM emphasized that whenever hostile eyes were cast on the homeland, the entire population, alongside the armed forces, gave a united and powerful response-proving the nation's defence is unshakable. Expressing his gratitude to the Almighty and the people, the Chief Minister hailed their steadfast support during the recent conflict and lauded the Army, Navy, and Air Force for achieving a historic triumph. Missile attacks on four domestic sites, he revealed, claimed the lives of 26 civilians. While acknowledging the technical quality of France's Rafale jets, he noted that true effectiveness requires resolve and spirit qualities he said were absent in the adversary's forces. According to him, five enemy aircraft and 85 Israeli-made drones were brought down. Mukhtar Laghari from Ghotki was the first martyr from Sindh. From the 8th of the month, unmanned aerial vehicles were launched continuously, all of which were intercepted. In Sharafi Goth, a police officer was mildly injured by falling debris. The Chief Minister mockingly described the coverage by Indian media as resembling a cartoon channel. Preparations had already been completed for such a scenario, and on May 10 at 4:30 a.m., he was awakened with reports of strikes on Noor Khan Air Base and Sukkur. Operation Buny?n Mars?s commenced just 45 minutes later. He attributed the outcome to divine will, recalling how provocative rhetoric had followed the Pulwama incident and how even places of worship were targeted. Despite initial anxiety from the night-time strikes, relief came as news emerged that enemy aircraft had been neutralized. The Air Force, he said, shattered the illusion of supremacy within hours. While French technology is undoubtedly advanced, it needs operators with unwavering courage. A Sukkur official reported only minor damage to a vacant building, after which retaliatory strikes were launched on 26 strategic installations including Udhampur Airbase, Northern Command, Pathankot, Sirsa, Bathinda, Ambala, Jalandhar, Firozpur, and missile facilities—all claimed to have been destroyed. He remarked that the rival nation was shaken by the speed and intensity of the response. Locals even retrieved the wreckage of downed drones, and Israeli-supplied tech was rendered ineffective. A briefing from the Karachi Commander confirmed that the opposing naval fleet was under surveillance and could have been eliminated if hostilities had extended. He revealed that five Pakistani troops were martyred in Bolhari after a ceasefire violation. Within just three hours, he said, the enemy realized the strength it was up against. Among the achievements, he included the destruction of a Soviet-origin S-400 air defense system, adding that global powers—Russia, the US, France, and Israel—likely began to question their ally's recklessness. The Chief Minister noted that the country was united, with chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad' echoing everywhere. He expressed hope that such unity could help resolve other national challenges. He also commended the media's role and praised local youth for their efforts in cyber operations, claiming several of the opponent's websites were hacked. Following the three-hour operation, even the 'Butcher of Gujarat,' he said, displayed a visibly changed demeanour. He thanked friendly nations including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their timely support and noted a shift in Washington's tone, suggesting a diplomatic win as well. He stated that New Delhi, previously unwilling to recognize Kashmir as a dispute, had now expressed readiness for dialogue. In his closing remarks, Syed Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, saying his legacy in fortifying national defence would always be remembered. Dr. Azra Pechuho called on the international community to cease arms exports to India, saying that New Delhi is 'neither capable of handling nor responsibly using weapons,' citing global embarrassment faced by France due to India's actions. Other lawmakers echoed their strong emotions of national unity and condemnation of Indian aggression. They praised Pakistan's armed forces and media for their prompt and powerful response to recent hostilities initiated by India. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said the nation gave India a 'crushing response,' defeating the enemy 'within hours' and exposing its failure on political, diplomatic, and global fronts. 'India has now been brought to a point where talks will happen only on Pakistan's terms,' he declared. Sindh's Education Minister, Sardar Shah held Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for escalating war hysteria, warning that he had 'brought his country to the brink of disaster.' Shah also welcomed the rare display of political unity in Pakistan during the conflict. Jamaat-e-Islami parliamentary leader Muhammad Farooq said national unity was the key to Pakistan's success, adding that 'Pakistan's military stood like a wall of steel against the enemy.' Pakistan People's Party (PPP) MPA Dr. Sham Sundar, speaking on behalf of the Hindu community, strongly condemned Modi's war narrative. He lamented that Indian attacks had targeted mosques and innocent civilians, calling the actions deeply regrettable. Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar termed Operation 'Bunyan Mersous' a moment of pride. He also recalled the contributions of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in making Pakistan a strong nuclear power. 'India has now been disillusioned about its perceived superiority,' he said. MQM lawmaker Iftikhar Alam accused India of killing its own citizens and falsely blaming Pakistan, while hailing Pakistan's military for exercising its right to self-defense. 'The ceasefire stands as proof of Pakistan's upper hand,' he added. Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro asserted that Pakistan acted like a responsible nation in defending itself. He also pointed to the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav as evidence of India's double standards. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said, 'We don't want politics with Modi; we want to fight,' and vowed that sacrifices would continue for Pakistan's sovereignty, just as they were made during its creation. MQM's Abdul Waseem reiterated allegations that India orchestrates attacks on its own soil and blames Pakistan. He praised the professionalism and readiness of the Pakistani military. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani warned that India, reeling from its failure, might resort to terrorism. He stressed the need for a strong counterterrorism strategy in response. The session concluded with a unanimous resolution applauding the role of Pakistan's armed forces. The next sitting of the Sindh Assembly is scheduled for Monday, May 19, at 10:00 am. Earlier, the Sindh Assembly convened under Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, offering prayers and reciting Fatiha for martyrs of Operation Binyan al-Marsoos, which successfully countered external threats. The session also honoured Pakistani civilians, including women and children, killed in Indian aggression, with a collective Fatiha for their departed souls. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
