Public health: Family planning festival organised in Shujabad

An ultrasound machine was set up and 85 pregnant women were checked

MULTAN: A health festival was organised at Shujabad by the district Population Welfare Office as part of the department’s drive to raise public awareness of family planning.

District Officer Muhammad Zahid supervised the festival held at Raja Ram.

Zahid told The Express Tribune that free medical examinations were given to 275 people. He said free medicines were also provided to those with minor ailments.

“An ultrasound machine was set up at the festival. At least 85 pregnant women were provided scans through the facility,” he said.

He said a team of doctors led by Hania Atta from the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital had examined the patients.

She had later held an awareness session with local women about the importance of family planning. She discussed various precautions women could take to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

Rukhsana Haneef, a visitor at the festival, said she was glad she got a check-up. “There is a dearth of gynaecologists in our tehsil. I did not know about the ultrasound facility. The doctor who checked me told me about my child’s health and gave me a prescription to improve nutrition during pregnancy.”

Ali Inayat said the festival was informative and useful.

“I came here with my wife. We normally travel long distances to get an ultrasound. This was a convenient way to get a medical exam.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2016.