PFA to establish nutrition clinics in Punjab

Experts say proper diet the key to preventing diabetes

LAHORE:  

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has decided to establish nutrition clinics to given citizens with diabetes guidance regarding their diet in all 36 districts in the province.

The decision was announced by PFA Director General Muhammad Usman while visiting a nutrition awareness camp at Services Hospital on Thursday. He stated that 15 dietary experts at the camp are providing the people with information regarding the importance of having a proper diet while suffering from diabetes.

Visitors are also being screened for diabetes and high blood pressure free-of-charge at the camp while their height and weight is also being checked, he added. The PFA DG, Services Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Qaiser Zia and Endocrinologist Department HOD Dr Khadija Irfan surveyed the camp and discussed various dietary issues faced by citizens. Meanwhile, awareness pamphlets were also distributed among the visitors.

On the occasion, PFA Director General Muhammad Usman directed officials to establish nutrition clinics as soon possible. According to the PFA spokesperson, more than 500 individuals were given advice on how to consume a better diet after a thorough check-up while pamphlets were distributed to more than 1,000 patients suffering from diabetes.

It is high time we spread awareness in order to control the menace of diabetes, the director general said.

Endocrinologist Department HOD Dr Khadija Irfan said that action against the adulteration mafia and other measures by the Punjab Food Authority have raised a lot of awareness among citizens. Meanwhile, Dr Syed Qaiser Zia stated that diabetes is a deadly disease which can be controlled by maintaining a proper diet.