30 January 2005	Sunday	19 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 29: The government is working closely on legislation for organ donation, and a bill in this regard would be presented in the next session of the senate within a month, Senator Roshan Khursheed Bharucha said on Friday , warning that the government would not, however, allow anyone to make it a business.

Ms Bharucha, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health, Education and Social Welfare, was speaking at the formal inauguration of the first ever symposium of the National Institute of Child Health on Friday night. The three-day symposium is being held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons .

She said the government would encourage family and voluntary donors of organs. She hoped the bill would be approved by the senate soon.

"The government is doing its best to promote quality health care and education, but still there is a need to do a lot. The NICH is playing its role with dedication, while doctor's role in reducing child mortality and maternal health is also very important,'' she said.

Highlighting the government's efforts towards eradication of polio, she said that polio had almost been eradicated.

Responding to the NICH director's request for extra land for the hospital's expansion, she said the government would fully support the idea and the matter would be discussed with the high-ups. - PPI