The medicine ADS should be immediately airlifted from Croatia:Kh Salman Rafique

Lahore: Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh Salman Rafique has said that the medicine ADS which is used for treatment of diphtheria should be immediately airlifted from Croatia and action should be taken against the officials after investigation of the whole matter.

He was presiding over a meeting regarding non-availability of ADS and the situation of disease in the province, here today.

Special Secretary Health (Medical Education & Specialized Institutions) Syed Gulzar Hussain Shah, Special Secretary Health (Primary & Secondary Health) Dr. Sajid Chauhan, Director General Health Amjad  Shahzad, Medical Director Children Hospital Prof. Dr. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Additional Secretary Health (Technical) Dr. Salman Shahid, officers of EPI and CDC Programmes attended the meeting.

Director General Health Dr. Amjad Shahzad informed that Diphtheria is near to end from the world and the medicine being used for the treatment of Diphtheria has reduced due to which its manufacturing has decreased. He said that ADS is prepared only in Croatia. He told that Health Department tried to contact various companies and countries for getting this medicine but it is not available anywhere. He told that purchase order of ADS had been placed to Croatia on September 22 and the concerned contractor has assured to provide the medicine within a few days.

Kh. Salman Rafiq directed that immediate steps should be taken for airlifting ADS from Croatia and availability of the medicine should be ensured in a minimum period. Additional Director EPI Programme Dr. Sohail Ahmed told that 15 cases of Diphtheria have been reported throughout the year and three deaths occurred. He told that EPI cell is in constant in touch with the concerned contractor and efforts are being made for getting medicine at the earliest.

Kh. Salman Rafiq directed Special Secretary Health Gulzar Hussain Shah to thoroughly investigate the matter and in case any delay or negligence is found, strict action should be taken against the concerned officer. He directed that a report about Diphtheria should immediately be obtained from all EDOs Health and a strategy be evolved.