Dr Sikandar Mandhro said that newborn screening shall be performed twenty four hours and not later than three days after the delivery. PHOTO: FILE
Speaking about the bill, the minister for parliamentary affairs, Dr Sikandar Mandhro, who also holds the charge of law minister, said that newborn screening shall be performed twenty four hours and not later than three days after the delivery. He added that the newborn will be examined by a pediatrician, ophthalmologist, ear, nose and throat specialists and an orthopedic surgeon to exclude congenital abnormalities. The child will also undergo biochemical testing to check for suspected hereditary conditions, he said.
According to the law, the health department will establish an advisory committee which will ensure the implementation of the provincial newborn screening programme within fifteen days from the law.
Kidnapping of doctors
An adjournment motion, moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement MPA Muhammad Hussain Khan regarding the kidnapping of doctors in Sindh was dismissed by the assembly following opposition by the treasury members. Muhammad Hussain was of the view that kidnapping for ransom of doctors had increased in Upper Sindh but the government was not taking the necessary steps for their rescue.
Ministers belonging to the ruling party, while acknowledging the motion, said that the content of the resolution was incorrect.
“The adjournment does not relate to a specific issue and the mover has not mentioned the date when the doctors have been kidnapped, therefore it is not in order,” an MPA said, while quoting the rules and procedure of the assembly. Later the acting speaker Shehla Raza termed the adjournment “out of order”.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2013.
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Finally some good bills coming its way in sindh. Way to go law minister!