November 04, 2006	Saturday	Shawwal 11, 1427

KARACHI, Nov 3: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has stressed the need for streamlining medical and education facilities in the province in line with international standards and emphasised upon necessary legislation in this regard at the earliest so that modern facilities could reach people without any hindrance.

In a meeting held at the Governor’s House, the authorities concerned apprised the governor about the progress achieved in this regard so far.

Taking stock of the federal laws and regulation, Ishratul Ibad called for carrying out required legislation at provincial level. He pointed out that in bringing the private hospitals and medical centres at all levels into the ambit of rules and regulations under a system would not only be in their own interest but also bring improvement in their liaison and attitude with the people.

He said that this would also help weed out non-professional activities in some hospitals and quackery.

The governor said that medical was a sacred profession and a basic need of people too and this enjoyed a significant position in the government’s top priorities.

He said that it was also an imperative process to bring teaching and training in medical profession in commensuration with qualitative and modern requirements and there was need to make speedy progress in this regard under a clear vision.

Dr Ibad reiterated that legislative work must be completed without any delay for the attainment of desired objectives.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Advocate General Anwar Mansoor Khan, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan, Law Secretary Ghulam Nabbi Shah, Health Secretary Dr Naushad Shaikh, Dr Asim Hussain, Chancellor Dr Ziauddin University, Vice-Chancellor Dow University Prof Dr Masood Hameed and other officials.Meanwhile, a six-member delegation from the USA called on the governor and gave presentation on water filtration technology.

The governor told the delegation that the government was determined to provide safe drinking water to every citizen in compliance to the directive of President Musharraf.

The delegation informed the governor that the technology was first used by astronauts in space and proved to be 99.99 per cent clean from all bacteria and viruses.

The small unit has the capacity to clean 15 Ltr/minute and each filter can clean 30,000 gallon of water before it requires a change. The system is portable and can be mounted in a house or put on a vehicle as well.

The delegation said that the technology was successfully working in some of the African and Asian countries, because of its low cost, cheap maintenance and compatibility.

Ishratul Ibad directed the officers concerned to submit a report on technical viability of the technology as per the local needs within two days. He told the delegation about government’s concern for providing safe drinking water to every citizen in Sindh without further delay.

He also briefed the delegation on the working of union councils and said he did not see any hitch in adopting the technology at all levels if viability was proved.

BAGH IBN-I-QASIM: The governor along with City Nazim Mustafa Kamal visited Bagh Ibn-i-Qasim and Kothari Parade where he had an appraisal about the ongoing work.

He said that the park being developed on 130 acres along the Clifton coast would be a unique gift not only for the people of Karachi but of the whole country because of its beauty and individuality. He was informed that the park would be completed soon.

The governor also inspected the adjoining Kothari Parade which has been renovated in harmony with its historical originality. With the new constructions keeping in view the old architecture, it was being further expanded on the governor’s directive. Besides, the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi was also being renovated.

Ishratul Ibad said that with the completion of all these projects, it would become Pakistan’s major attractive complex.

The temple within the precinct of Bagh Ibn-i-Qasim had also been renovated.

On the occasion, the governor especially reviewed the lighting arrangements which gave a beautiful look to the park and Kothari Parade in the night.

Dr Ishratul Ibad said that the city government worked round-the-clock and completed the park in a record time.

Appreciating the uniqueness of the lighting arrangements in the park, the governor said that with drizzling lights, this park would be a delightful addition to the city’s humming life.

He said that special arrangements would be made for its maintenance after its completion. In this regard, he said that the nazim was working out a programme to outsource its maintenance, which would be implemented soon after its completion.—APP