25 April 2004	Sunday	04 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

PESHAWAR, April 24: NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has directed health department to prepare a feasibility report for conducting genetic test of couples before marriage in all the districts headquarters hospitals.

"This would help reduce the blood-related ailments among the children, which is presently increasing at an alarming rate", said the chief minister while speaking at a function held at the Fatimid Foundation here on Saturday.

He said that it was of paramount importance to create awareness among families concerning prevention of diseases and educate them for test before marriages to put a brake on genetically related diseases.

Health Minister Inayatullah Khan, Information Minister Asif Iqbal Daudzai and MPAs were also present on the occasion.

Mr Durrani unveiled the plaque to formally inaugurate the new building of the foundation.

He was briefed about various stages of blood transfusion and the instruments used in the process of investigation and blood storage.

"We should try our level best to involve ulema, teachers and opinion leaders about creating awareness against the genetic diseases. This would help greatly, because the ulema and teachers were very close to the people", said Mr Durrani.

He went around the centre and inspected the wards and asked the patients about the facilities being extended in the centre.

He said that for an Islamic society everyone should be responsive to the problems of the poor. An Islamic government, he added should be responsible for the creation of such a society but this dream could only be translated into reality if all the members of the society supplement the government efforts.

He said the MMA government wants to ensure efficient services in health, education and drinking water sectors but more importantly we are going with the focus approach to transform the society and concentrate on moral and character building of individuals, he said.

He directed the ministers health and information to organize a campaign against the genetic diseases and involve the print and electronic media in this sacred mission. He said that we needed to give both moral and financial support to the deserving patients.

Mr Durrani also announced to raise Fatimid Foundation's annual grant to Rs2 million.

He also directed the DCO to find a suitable piece of land for foundation so that it could expand its activities.