LAHORE: An online portal and helpline titled ‘Pyari Beti’, has been launched by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) to providing adolescent girls with reliable guidance on puberty and reproductive health and help address the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by them.
The portal is accessible through the UHS website, while the helpline (99232088) offers consultations with health experts twice a week.
The project was officially launched during a seminar titled “Living with Confidence: A Girl’s Guide,”organised by the UHS Department of Public Health, attended by over 100 orphan girls aged 9 to 15 from institutions such as Dar-ul-Shafqat, Kashana, and SOS Villages in Lahore.
Punjab Assembly member and Parliamentary Secretary for Specialised Healthcare, Rushda Lodhi, was the chief guest.
Speaking at the seminar, UHS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore stressed the importance of addressing the challenges young girls face.
“This initiative empowers girls to navigate puberty with confidence and dignity. As parents and as a society, we must bridge the gaps in awareness and support. Girls facing difficulties should feel encouraged to consult their elders or our experts,” he said.