KARACHI, Oct 30: Sindh Minister for Health Syed Sardar Ahmed visited major blood banks and relevant facilities in the city on Monday to examine quality of service being offered to the patients inflicted with the viral hemorrhagic fever.

He appreciated the services offered at the Bismillah Taqi Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Disease Centre, as well as the Hussaini Blood Bank, for meeting the demand for mega-unit blood platelet.

Provision to arrange for mega unit blood platelet does not exist in any of the public sector blood banks owing to its high cost. Close coordination between the government and registered blood banks has presently helped hospitals in ensuring prompt availability of the essential component.

The minister highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the private and public sectors in the field of health, and held out the assurance that there would be no compromise on the quality of health care services, particularly on safe blood.

“The strict policy with regard to the registration of blood banks would be pursued and strict action will be taken against the outlets failing to meet the criteria set under the law,” he declared.

Acknowledging that the establishment and proper management of an adequately equipped and manned blood bank is an expensive option, the minister said this did not, however, offer any excuse for compromise on quality.

The minister inquired about the welfare of the VHF admitted at the Bismillah Taqi Hospital and talked to their attendants.

He expressed his satisfaction over the fact that patients were being assisted in availing the relief offered by the Sindh and city governments in the process of diagnosis and treatment process.

Syed Sardar Ahmed was accompanied by Dr Abdul Majid, Additional Health Secretary who is also In-charge of the Dengue Surveillance Cell.

PMA: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Karachi chapter, has expressed its deep concern over the increasing cases of dengue fever in Karachi and the problems being faced by people in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

A resolution adopted at its meeting here on Monday, the executive committee of the organisation criticised private hospitals, laboratories and blood banks for overcharging from dengue fever patients on account of investigation and treatment.

The PMA deplored private hospitals for demanding huge amounts in advance for admitting such a patient, and praised the government for exempting the kits used in the diagnosis and platelet separation from import duty. The favour would help reduce kit’s price by at least 43 per cent but the benefit should trickle down to the patients, it stressed.

It asked the private hospitals, laboratories and blood banks to extend concessions to patients in the fees for diagnosis and treatment, and provide platelet free of cost.

Emergency: The New Karachi Town Municipal Administration has declared emergency at the Sindh Government Hospital and all the dispensaries falling in its jurisdiction to ensure availability of doctors and parameds round-the-clock to deal with dengue fever cases.

Town Nazim Hanif Surti visited various areas of the town while fumigation was being carried out early Monday morning. Talking to people during the visit, he said the lab at the Sindh Government Hospital, New Karachi, has started functioning and free tests for dengue virus would be conducted there. He advised residents of the town to rush any person with suspected dengue fever to the nearest hospital or dispensary to avail the service.

—APP/PPI