Health education is being introduced as a subject in the syllabus: Kh Salman

Lahore: Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that health education is being introduced as a subject in the syllabus to promote awareness regarding preventive measures against diseases. He said that government would encourage production of hearing aids at the local level for their availability at a low price.

He said this while addressing an awareness seminar at Allama Iqbal Medical College held in connection with International Ear Care Day, here today. The seminar was jointly organized by Hamza Foundation, Punjab University and Punjab Special Education Department. Kh. Salman Rafique lauded the efforts of the teachers of special children and said that they are doing their job with commitment and dedication. He said that even the parents of these children sometime lose patience but the teachers of special children are always patient and polite with their students.

Special children presented national anthem and skits on this occasion which were appreciated by the participants of the seminar.

The seminar was addressed by Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof. Mehmood Shaukat, Prof. Rashid Zia, Prof. Amjad and other medical experts. Prof. Rashid Zia informed that 70 to 80 percent people with impaired hearing can be rehabilitated by providing them hearing aid. He stressed the need for production of hearing aids within the country for their supply at a low price. He disclosed that about ten million people are suffering from hearing impairment and 50 percent of them belong to Punjab province.

The experts from CMH Lahore, Service Institute of Medical Sciences, Children Hospital and other teaching hospitals attended the seminar. ENT experts stressed that cotton bud should not be used for ear cleaning as it is harmful for eardrum. They said that prolonged use of headphone, eye pod and mobile phone can be very dangerous not only for hearing but can also produce brain tumor.

Later, Kh. Salman Rafique also led a walk from Fatima Jinnah Medical College to Montgomery Road in connection with the International Ear Care Day. DG Health Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, professors of ENT department and other doctors participated in the walk.