ISLAMABAD, May 8(APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said massive media campaign for public awareness will be launched for the prevention of lethal diseases.
Addressing a function in connection with World Thalassemia Day here Monday, she said that all departments of the Ministry including Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will be asked to broadcast special programmes for the prevention of chronic diseases and disorders like Thalassemia and HIV/ AIDS. She said all the private channels will also be included in the campaign as it is the responsibility of all of us to play due role in this regard.
The Minister of State said that legislation for the prevention of Thalassemia has been done in the National Assembly and according to the legislation, blood test for Thalassemia will be mandatory before marriage.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that a Thalassemia center has been set up in Islamabad under Pakistan Bait ul Mal. She said similar centers are also being opened at the district levels. Legislation for Thelesemia is a milestone in our national history, she expressed. The Minister said that legislation regarding Thelesimia is a milestone which is a pride for the nation because it shows we are sensitized about national health issues.
She told that Parliamentary Developmental Task Force is working on all human health and education issues and Thelsimia centers are also established by the government as well and PTV is also running public awareness massages.
The Minister offered her Ministry’s full support to propagate message regarding awareness of Thalassemia and it should also be included in curriculum. She also told that revision of curriculum is already included in government priorities to include such health related topics to educate children.
The Minister said that Prime Minister’s Health Card is also a facility for poor people and they can get free treatment on that card for their Thalassemia affected children.
APP/naheed/anm
