Joint efforts needed to make family planning successful   

LAHORE: Dr Yasmin Rashid, Minister of Health, Punjab, recently stated that effective family planning is key to social development in the modern world.  

Speaking at the Provincial Task Force meeting on Population Welfare at the Civil Secretariat, the Health Minister said that progress is directly linked with family planning.  

Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister of Finance, Punjab, Col (Retd.) Hashim Dogar, Minister for Population Welfare, Punjab, Population Welfare Department officials, Health Department, UNFPA, members of Punjab Assembly, P&D and other departments also presided at the meeting. Special Secretary Health, Secretary Population Welfare and Director General Health Services presented reports on recommendations of the Provincial Task Force.  

“Complete implementation on recommendations of Task Force can be a game-changer. Prosperity and development of a country are linked with family planning. The role of Lady Health Workers is pivotal to family planning. Ulema can play a key role as well. Health Department is working jointly with Population Welfare Department on family planning.” the Health Minister said.

“All stakeholders will have to play their role. Prime Minister Imran Khan is fully supporting the initiative. In the next two weeks, joint and collaborative recommendations shall be submitted by Population Department s) and Population Welfare Department. “, she further added.

Col (Retd.) Hashim Dogar said that Ulema are being requested to support the family planning initiative, and they have been provided training. Makhdoom Hashim Bakht said behavioural changes are required, and education guarantees prosperity in societies. He said all resources necessary should be provided to make the family planning initiative a success.