KARACHI, June 11: The Sindhi translation of the book, “Where Women Have No Doctor” — a work that was compiled after inputs from 30 countries, was launched on Wednesday evening at a well- attended event held in the PMA House.

Dr Aziz Khan Tank of the Pakistan Medical Association pointed out that the book had easy- to-follow sketches and pictures. The book, as it was based on contributions from 30 countries, broke several myths and taboos, he added.

He said that it was useful not just for nurses and midwives, but also for doctors. He suggested that the book be provided free of cost to doctors.

Dr Majeed Chhutto demanded of the authorities to get all the books translated in Sindhi language, which were being used by nurses and midwives.

Prof Razia Korejo of the JPMC said that the book was useful not only for the interior of Sindh, but also for cities like Karachi. She urged the Pakistan National Forum on Women’s Health, publishers of the book, to issue the editions of the much-needed book on regular basis.

Aslam Khowaja, the translator of the book, said that the book could help filling the gap between the urban and rural Sindhis. He was of the view that several professionals, residing in the urban areas of the province, were ignorant of the ground realities existing in rural parts.

Kevin Kingsfield, whose organization provided the funds for translation and publication of the book, said that he had been collaborating with the PMA for the last 20 years.

Mr Kingsfield said that three editions of the Urdu version of the book had already been published. He was ready to get the book translated in other languages, he announced.

Dr Asif Aslam of the Unicef said as a nation — Pakistanis had failed to mount concerted, systematic efforts against infant and maternal deaths. He said taht the newly translated book contained information useful for doctors as well as paramedical staff.

Ms Ilmia Mughal, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, said that the book would provide guidelines even to the teachers, who were confused over certain issues.

She pointed out that the institution, where she got her training over 30 years ago, still wore a deserted look.

Ms Ilmia Mughal, who is also the director of Sindh Nursing Education Board, urged the Unicef to donate some books to her nursing and midwifery schools.

Earlier, in his opening speech, Dr Shershah Syed of PMA criticized the successive governments for ignoring the problems and issues in healthcare. He said that it was not the responsibility of professional bodies like PMA to provide basic information about healthcare to a common man, yet these were busy in providing some important data.