Booster shot: Sehat ka Insaf to begin tomorrow

Health minister Shaukat Yousafzai says 480,000 people will be covered in initial phase.

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s ‘Sehat ka Insaf’ programme is all set to be formally launched on Sunday, announced Minister for Health Shaukat Ali Yousafzai.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Yousafzai said the initiative will reach a total of 754,000 citizens in the provincial capital.

“During the initial phase, 480,000 people will be covered, prevention of seven diseases will be focused on along with vaccination,” said Yousafzai. “In the first week, 12,500 kits will be distributed out of the total 65,000 kits.” He added that the programme will kick off from Shaheen Muslim Town-I and II, Malakander, Larama and Surizai where medical camps will also be established to treat patients suffering from various diseases.



Yousafzai further said the drive will be conducted throughout the week during which, the volunteers will go from door to door and distribute hygiene kits containing towels, soaps, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They will also distribute pamphlets for the prevention and precautionary measures to adopt in order to avoid diseases.

Discussing security plans, the health minister explained 2,420 policemen will be deployed to provide security to the volunteers.

“Awareness will also be created among people about maintaining a proper sewerage system in their localities, while government officials will keep a record of the populace which has been covered in the programme,” added Yousafzai.

The Rs22 billion project has been approved by the Public Works Department, Yousafzai shared.

“The initiative’s target at the moment is 12 districts of the province and parents who complete the vaccination course for their children will be given Rs1,000,” said the minister.



He added under the maternal health programme aimed to bring down the increasing maternal mortality rate, women will also be given Rs2,700 in cash if they consult doctors.

“Mosquito repellent creams will also be distributed during the drive,” Yousafzai maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2014.