KARACHI, Aug 29: The need for new laws and strict implementation of the existing ones was underlined by speakers at a seminar on Sunday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 7th Memon Professional Forum (MPF) Conference on Live healthier: live happier, Senator Nisar A. Memon said the government should allocate more funds for prevention of diseases as compared to their treatment.

He praised the role of philanthropists describing them as 'reformers', and urged the youngsters to exhibit the same spirit and get involved in social activities to help the poor people.

The senator asked the organizers to send their suggestions and recommendations pertaining to education, healthcare and job-creation to the government. Prof A. Ghaffar Billoo of the Aga Khan University said knowledge must be disseminated widely about various diseases and both the youth and professionals should take more responsibility to face the new challenges being faced by the nation today.

He observed that hardly 50 per cent of the population had access to primary healthcare, presenting a big challenge to the authorities. "Only 45 per cent of the Pakistani population is literate and more than 40 per cent lives below the poverty line," he added.

The professor said the MPF was running many institutions to support the youth. He called for passing on the benefits of economic betterment to the common man who faced unemployment and inflation.

Prof Ali Mohammad Ansari of the AKU said some communities were more famous than others in the area of business and investment. "Health is important and everyone should care for it," he said.

"An overwhelming number of diseases is preventable but there is a lack of awareness among the masses on health issues. We have resources and potential that have got to be used," he said, adding that youngster must be encouraged in doing social work.

"More than 1,000 children die every month and at least 100 women lose their lives during delivery," he pointed out. He underlined the need for creating awareness among the people on social issues.

Prof Ansari said high spirit, dedication and contribution made the creation of Pakistan possible and the same was required to develop the country. He expressed concern over the lack of playgrounds in Karachi and stressed the need for exercise.

In his welcome address Haroon Qasim, convener of the conference, said community health was an important reality and no nation could succeed without a charter guaranteeing basic and accessible health coverage for its population.

"It is not only the responsibility of the state to cater to the healthcare needs of masses, but also of organizations and individuals at large," he said, adding that the conference was a symbol of unity and dedication to the common cause of alleviating miseries of ailing humanity.

He said the role of the forum was of utmost important to revive the healthcare system of the country where there was a lack of civic amenities and safe drinking water for a majority.

Prof Iqbal Memon, President of the MPF, and Engr Pervez Abubakar also spoke. MNA Mohammad Hussain Mahenti was present during the session. A documentary on the Memon community's services was shown on the occasion.