The Minister, speaking in Urdu, pointed out that the Government had decided to establish premier health centres to meet the needs of the rural population. He added that as a result of the establishment of these primary centres, villagers “have been saved from the quacks”.

Gen Burki said that some new units relating to the treatment of eye diseases and leprosy would be added to the centre shortly. He disclosed that a survey would be carried out about eye diseases, particularly for trachoma in the country.

Speaking about leprosy, the Minister said that the Government was determined to eradicate disease from the country and for this purpose the services of a foreign expert had been acquired. He also assured the residents that a scheme for the establishment of a modern hospital in the Korangi Township would be considered. The time was not far off when Korangi would have a modern and well-equipped hospital, he added.

In Dacca, meanwhile, East Pakistan Governor Lt Gen Mohammad Azam Khan yesterday called upon the doctors to play their vital role in eradicating the menace of various diseases, and to render services with a missionary zeal to the people of rural areas.

Addressing a medical conference arranged by the Pakistan Medical Association (East Zone) at the Curzon Hall, the Governor stressed the need for providing medical aid to every village in the province in order to ensure sound health and better living conditions for the common man. About 800 doctors from different parts of the country are attending the conference.He said the government was giving due importance to the supply of drinking water in rural areas as impure water could spread many diseases, including cholera. He asked the doctors to establish themselves in different villages of the country so that the rural population was not deprived of their services.