Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho held a meeting with all the DHOs via online link

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho held a meeting with all the DHOs via online link

Karachi (28.02.23): Minister Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho held a meeting with all the DHOs via online link. Secretary Health, Mr. Zulfiqar Shah and DG Health, Dr. Juman Bahoto were also in attendance.

Minister Health began the meeting by stating that since there has been an increase in covid cases recently, provinces have to be more vigilant and there should be more messages that make the public aware of having to wear masks, and avoid crowded areas. Even though COVID is not causing mortalities, we still need to practice preventative care.

Preventative healthcare should be focused upon, she added and that immunization must be made a priority as well in this regard. Are vaccinators working to their fullest capacity and duty and what are the disease and outbreak hotspots in the province? If any, they signal the lack of coverage by vaccinators in that area.

Dr. Azra Pechuho advised all the DHOs to make a schedule of the vaccination centers and look at their default list as well as their 0 dose coverage, paying special attention to measles second dose and penta5. Surveillance has to be increased and a communitys’ immunisation status must be verified because this will denote whether there will be a disease outbreak therein or not.

She also said that the LHW program is integral for the overall performance of the healthcare system so it has to be ensured that they are holding weekly meetings that are constructive and supervised regarding their work plans for the week completed and week forward. Dr. Azra Pechuho added that the ambulances for the 1122 Ambulance Service have been sent out so it has to be seen to that they are being utilized properly and that awareness is increased in the province of this service having been launched.

The Provincial Health Minister said that it is the responsibility of all DHOs to keep an eye on the stock commodities in their districts, including medication. She also informed the meeting that it is their responsibility to alert the health department in case there is a shortage. In addition, as there is a monitoring and evaluation survey being conducted by an independent party to gauge the gaps in primary care and maternal healthcare, the DHOs should be rectifying this gap.

Anti rabies – proper protocol of treatment is not being conducted. Minister Health Sindh said that as soon as there is a dog bite, the wounded area must be washed with soap and water first and then taken to the nearest facility for the Anti-Rabies injection.

Dr. Azra Pechuho also stated that there should be an increase in the awareness of the ways to prepare and choose hygienic and fresh food, and the Health Department has to stay prepared to treat all waterborne diseases. She further instructed that there should be larvicide done and all sources of water, fresh and otherwise, should be examined to check for larvae activity and measures taken to eliminate those larvaes without harming the fresh water.