DADU, Aug 5: Sindh Health Secretary Prof (Dr) Naushad A. Shaikh has said that local purchasing boards of medicines had been abolished due to poor results. He said the boards were working under EDOs but they had not provided any relief to poor patients.

He was speaking at a seminar “Pakistan: Initiative for mother neonates”, organized by NGO “Save the children” at the district council on Friday.

He announced the formation of monitoring teams for purchase of medicines in government hospitals to provide relief to patients.

He said only two polio cases were reported from Sindh and that polio would be controlled.

He directed the DG health services, Sindh, Dr Hadi Bux Jatoi to appoint specialist orthopaedic, gynaecologist heart, skin and other specialist doctors in the Dadu civil hospital.

Dr Hadi Bux said diseases-related situation was worse in Katcho and Kachho but it would be controlled.

He said polio was eradicated in just three rounds from developed countries but in Pakistan 50 rounds were completed yet it could not be eradicated.

DCO Aijaz Mangi said huge amount was released to the health department for controlling different diseases.

He said more funds would be released to protect pregnant women and children in Katcho and Kachho belt against diseases.

EDO (health) Dr Dhani Bux Thebo said Rs20 million were released by the DCO Dadu for purchasing vehicles to control polio and other diseases in remote areas of the district. About 72 dismissed lady health workers and supervisors staged demonstration, demanding their reinstatement. He ordered the DG health to reinstate them and release their salaries.