PR No.76 Steps to control Leishminia disease on the cards, Dr. Zafar Mirza Islamabad, June 19, 2019

Today in a high profile meeting chaired by the Special Assistant to the PM on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza reviewed the prevalence and status of Leishminia, a skin disease commonly transmitted from humans through sandfly. The disease is widespread in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and some parts of Punjab. The meeting was attended by Dr. Hisham Inamullah Khan, Provincial Health Minister KP, Federal Secretary Health, DG National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, DG Health KP, DG Health Baluchistan, representatives from WHO and DRAP also attended the meeting. The SAPM, Dr. Zafar Mirza, directed officials to develop a National Action Plan to control cutaneous Leishminasis and tasked WHO to extend technical l assistance to control spread of the disease in different parts of country. “Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDI), Geneva will also be approached to ensure availability of drugs in Pakistan”, said Dr. Zafar Mirza. While making important decisions at the meeting, SAPM expressed to take pharmaceuticals companies on board to ensure availability of drugs at affordable prices. All possible sources would be tapped to ensure effective and immediate response to bring relief to suffering patients. SAPM also issued directive to the Drug pricing Committee to review existing medicine retail pricing of registered medicines. It was emphasized that DRAP should explore more sources of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients of medicine. *****

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