Anti-snake venom: CM orders arrangement of vaccines

Takes serious notice of the snake-biting incidents and the shortage of ASVs in certain areas.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has directed the provincial health secretary to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom (ASV) vaccines on a war-footing basis in the affected areas of Tharparkar and Umerkot. He gave these directions while taking serious notice of the snake-biting incidents and the shortage of ASVs in these areas. Expressing dissatisfaction over the shortage of medicines and the negligence of relevant officers, he sought explanation from the district health officer. The CM also warned the officers of strict action in case of any carelessness. In addition, Shah directed the officials of the health department to make sure that doctors and paramedical staff were present at the hospitals and other medical facilities were available for the immediate relief of the affected people.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2013.