Punjab launches project for rationalize use of antibiotics in rural health centers
Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care Dr. Jamal Nasir said that a project was being launched to rationalize use of antibiotics in rural health centers of selected districts of Punjab in collaboration with an international organization.
Initially, rational use of antibiotics will be ensured only in the children with acute respiratory tract infections and Diarrhea at these places, the minister said.
A delegation from the International Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) led by Erica Westwood called on Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr. Jamal Nasir and discussed with him the measures to deal with Anti-Microbial Resistance due to irrational use of antibiotics.
The delegation apprised the minister of the need for the project and details about the procedure for its implementation.
The minister said that frequent and irrational use of antibiotics destroyed their effects on the pathogens adding that indiscriminate use of these drugs had led to many deaths.
Dr. Jamal Nasir said that according to the vision of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, this was a good initiative of the Punjab government to protect the health of the citizens.
With the support of ICARS, the Punjab Health Department has started a project to ensure proper use of antibiotics. He said that the use of antibiotic drugs for the treatment of patients needs to be considered.
Antibiotics should not be used without laboratory tests of the patient, he added. Minister for Health appreciated the new initiative and assured full cooperation from Government of the Punjab.
Director General Health Punjab Dr. Ilyas Gondal, Dr. Yadullah, Dr. Amir Khan, ASD Prof. Shahid Malik, PMA Director Hepatitis Control Program Dr. Shaheer, HAS Dr. Ahmer Khan, ASD Dr. Salman Shahid, Dr. Altaf Tariq, HMAP Dr. Huda, IPH Dr. Amir Safdar, WHO Dr. Maryam, WHO Dr. Imtiaz & Dr. Maryam Punjab Healthcare Commission and other experts also participated in the meeting