Secretary chairs meeting to review situation of Non Communicable Diseases

Karachi, April 21, 2015 (PPI-OT): A meeting to review the situation of Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) in the province was held in Sindh Secretariat, chaired jointly by Federal Secretary National Health Services and Regulations Mr. Ayub Shaikh and Provincial Secretary Health Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Shallwani. The meeting discussed in detail the situation of various NDCs including Cardio Vascular Diseases, Cancer, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Hypertension in Sindh.

The meeting was informed that 65% of deaths in Pakistan are due to NDCs and Cardiovascular Diseases count 25% of these deaths. Nearly 180 million people expire globally because of such ailments and 140 million of them belong to developing countries.

Federal Secretary National Health Services and Regulations Mr. Ayub Shaikh while addressing on the occasion said that these figures are very worrying and provinces need to work closely with the Federation to ascertain actual causes of increase in such diseases so as to evolve a viable strategy to reduce these numbers. He lauded the passing of mental healthcare bill from Sindh Assembly and hoped that other provinces would follow Sindh’s example. He said that Federal government was more than willing to provide help and assistance to provinces for tackling this hugely important issue.

Secretary Health Sindh Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Shallwani on the occasion said that Sindh was doing its utmost to create awareness amongst masses about their affects, it’s prevention and precautionary measures with the help of advertising material. He further said that awareness about hazards of smoking, junk food and drinks is being provided to the people.

The importance of regular walk and exercise is also being communicated to them, he added. He further said that spread of cancer specially breast cancer is very alarming and a coordinated campaign is needed to tackle this issue. A task force for NDCs is being constituted which would prepare a comprehensive plan in this regard, he informed the meeting. He asked for technical assistance from Federal Government in the issue.

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