‘Pakistan to be declared polio-free country soon’

FAISALABAD: State Minister for Commerce and Textile Industry Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari claims that Pakistan will soon be declared a polio free country because of the “committed and continuous efforts of the incumbent government.”

However, the private sector should expedite its efforts for the rehabilitation of polio infested children, he added.

Inaugurating a polio rehabilitation center in Surayya Majeed Hospital, he said that the government is making all out efforts to provide best possible health facilities to the poor segment of the society.

It is encouraging that NGOs and local philanthropists are also contributing their role in this field, he said and appreciated the efforts of Platinum Lions Club for contributing its role in the establishment of this rehabilitation center.

He said that successive anti-polio campaigns are being launched for last many years. During these campaigns children up to the age of five years are administered polio drops free of cost, he said, adding, these campaigns are launched at national level by mobilizing Health department and involving all available resources.

He told that in case of identification of any polio case extra campaigns are also being arranged for those specific areas.

He hoped that although polio is under control yet campaigns to dispense polio drops will continue in near future to save children from any threat of this crippling disease. And soon Pakistan will be added into the list of polio free country. He also underlined the need for the rehabilitation of the polio infested children and appreciated the establishment of this center in the hospital.