Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said on Wednesday that breastfeeding is of paramount importance for the health of a child. “Role of Ulema is crucial in creating awareness about breastfeeding, which is one of the major factors behind our problem of stunted growth.”
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid stated at the inauguration of Global Breastfeeding Week 2020 for Punjab at the Planning and Development Department here on Wednesday.
The minister claimed that the Health Department has been taking steps to promote breastfeeding. “We need to start an awareness campaign to promote breastfeeding. We are facilitating mothers at their workplaces and offices”, she informed, adding that mother feed is extremely important for a healthy life of a person.
Punjab Population Welfare Secretary Ali Bahadur Qazi, Principal Services Institute of Medical Sciences Professor Mehmud Ayaz, Dean Institute of Public Health Dr. Zarfishan Tahir, Executive Director (Health) P &D Dr. Sohail Saqlain, Professor of Gynae Dr. Rubina Suhail, WHO representative Dr. Yahya Gulzar and senior officials from other departments were also present on the occasion. Dr Sohail Saqlain highlighted the significance of breastfeeding and its impact on child health after words of thanks to the Health Minister.
The minister regretted that lack of breast feeding also causes iron deficiencies among mothers. There has to be regular counseling of mothers to promote breastfeeding as it also boosts immunity of children. She also said that Punjab has battled Corona virus with great hard work. She said Punjab has hired 30,000 doctors on merit and efforts are on to provide all out facilities for patients.
Meanwhile, the Punjab health minister visited Nursing School Cooper Road here. The minister was accompanied by Additional Secretary Staff Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department and other staff members.
The minister visited different sections of the Mother and Child Health centers and met students in class rooms. Principal Nursing School apprised the Health Minister of the Curriculum of the Lady Health Visitors course and health facilities at MCH centers.
The health minister said, “We are enhancing the capacity of all nursing schools in Punjab. Lady Health Visitors will be imparted education on latest curriculum at the Post Graduate College of Midwifery. Students after Fsc will be given admission in the Post Graduate College of Midwifery. The students passing out from Nursing College will be awarded degrees.”
