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KARACHI, Feb 15: The Nazim of Karachi, Naimatullah Khan, has said that maternal health is the responsibility of the city government. Any initiative that is launched in this area will, therefore , be supported by the city authorities.
Speaking at the 15th annual walk and marathon held by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Sunday, Mr Khan revealed that the city government was finding it difficult to acquire funds for its projects. "But I assure you that whatever little we can spare, we will give for maternal and child health," said the Nazim.
He declared that the motto for this year's marathon - "Maternal and Child Health is Everyone's Responsibility" - had been adopted by his government as its own. "From now on, our first priority is women's health."
Meanwhile, more than 4,000 people, from all walks of life, took part in the PMA's walk and marathon. Many hospitals and health-care centres were represented.
Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff participating in the walk held aloft banners with slogans on maternal and child health inscribed on them. Both the walk and marathon started off from in front of the PMA House and ended at the same place.
Many special people and sportsmen participated in the two events. Music was played throughout the time period the events were on. Prizes and T-shirts were distributed among the people who took part.
In the men's category (16 to 45 years) the first position went to Khasta Badshah. The second and third prizes were bagged, respectively, by Esha Pariya and M. Tanvir.
In the women's category (16 to 45 years) the first position was claimed by Kiran Allauddin and the second by Nadia Khan. In the boys' class, Salman Yousuf was adjudged the winner. The second and third positions went to Naseer Abdul and M. Raza Saeed, respectively.
In the elders' category M. Gulzar was adjudged the best. The second place was claimed by M. Rafiq. In the doctors' category the men who took the first two positions were Dr S. Sajid Ali Shah and Dr Rashid. The lady doctors who got the first two places were Dr Bina and Dr Hina.
The special persons who got the first seven prizes were M. Karimbhai, Naeem Baloch, Ghulam Abbas, Rab Nawaz, Saifullah, Baroo and S. Wahid Shah. The prized distribution ceremony will be held in the PMA House on Feb 28 at 4pm, said a press release.
MIDWIFERY SCHOOLS: Schools of midwifery are going to be opened at four maternity homes in the city. The city government and the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) are cooperating with each other to make sure that these are inaugurated within the next two months.
According to the PMA's Secretary-General, Dr Shershah Syed, the city government has pledged to provide money for a hundred stipends of Rs2,000 each. "This means that we have the money for 100 trainee midwives," he told Dawn on Sunday.
Answering a question, Dr Shah disclosed that the Unicef was going to provide the equipment for the four midwifery schools planned. To each of the four schools 25 trainees would be admitted.
"The first school to be completed is the one that is going to be on the premises of the maternity home in Soldier Bazar. The construction work there is almost done."
The second one to come on board is likely to be the maternity home in Gizri, which is run by Dr Nazima Malik. The other two are going to be the ones in Site and Shah Faisal Colony. The funds for the construction of the buildings are being provided by some philanthropists. "The tutors' salaries will also come from these good people."
