Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Faulty injections
In a new turn of events, the administration of a new locally manufactured injection by the name of Avastin has caused at least 40 people to lose their vision. This is evidence of how much our regulatory bodies are lacking when it comes to testing, approving and distributing medicinal drugs, the price of which is paid by struggling patients whose ailments have only gotten worse.
Punjab Health Minister has promised to hold those accountable for distributing this faulty drug. FIRs have been registered against the producers of Avastin used on diabetic patients who were seeking treatment for retinal damage. Diabetic patients are already predisposed to certain infections in the eye because of their condition and all medication or treatment given has to be administered carefully. Avastin caused infection in the patients’ eyes, resulting in the complete loss of vision.
The injection was newly introduced in the market and the producers were enjoying a large profit margin. The two men produced the medicine through a multinational pharmaceutical company which, by law, is required to follow DRAP rules and regulations for creating, testing, regulating and distributing drugs.
The fact that people lost their lives, and all relevant parties were taken by surprise, is proof of the fact that the producers cut corners and put the livelihood of many at risk.
This malpractice is tolerable at the cost of ailing people. For now, the investigation is revolving around exploring infected vials or non-sterile syringes. The investigation must be expanded to inadequate sterilisation, and dive into the procedures followed before Avastin was introduced in the market. The government should ensure that all patients who can benefit thus, are operated on and that the operation is made free. There must be light at the end of the tunnel.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Pak Steel Mills
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent decision to allocate funds for the payment of six months’ salary to Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) workers during the fiscal year 2023-2024. While this decision may appear to be a positive step, it raises significant questions about the future sustainability of PSM. It is crucial to note that PSM has remained non-operational since 2015, and during this extended period of inactivity, the state exchequer has continued to bear a substantial monthly cost, exceeding Rs. 100 million. This financial burden has persisted despite the fact that PSM has consistently incurred massive losses, with an accumulated deficit of over Rs. 206 billion.
In the light of these circumstances, it is imperative for the government to adopt a prudent and practical approach, emphasizing the responsible utilization of public funds. Consequently, the international benchmarks for compensation rates across different time periods need to be thoroughly evaluated and carefully determined.
AMREEN NOOR
Lahore
Pak-Iran border
Pak-Iran border in Balochistan is not only a route of passage for people to change between the countries but it also is the source of income for thousands of people in Balochistan. Thousands of families rely on the trade from Pak-Iran border. It is the only source of income for masses. Seized border can cause shortage, social tension and rise of inflation.
Recently, the caretaker government has taken preventative measures against dollar leakage. Pak-Iran border has been highlighted to be used for taking the dollar out of the country. Thereby, it is under surveillance and strict measures have been taken over the border for passage of people. According to local masses, it has been siezed since some days before. The wheel of business has stopped since then. Due to which, thousands of people in Balochistan are affected as they have no other option than to sit at home and wait till it reopens.
Most of the goods come from Iran in Balochistan. They include, cosmetics, food, shoes, petrol and even vegetable. This can cause immense shortage in the regions near border such as main city Turbat.
If this continues for long, it can rise up unemployment and social crime simultaneously. When people will have no work to do, evil will grab them towards it. Illicit activities can rise in number. There is no doubt that the shortage always triggers the prices to rise up and the same is expected. Inflation has already peaked in last 3 months. It can get aggravated in the regions adjacent to border. Hence, the government should look for a better way out than closing the border.
JAHANGIR JAMEEL
Balochistan
Box letter
Literacy rate
Pakistan’s literacy rate is 59.3%. The actual literacy rate is an alarming situation for policy and decision-makers. The country remains at the lowest as far as literacy rate in South Asia is concerned. The Maldives stands at top 99.3%, Sri Lanka 92.6%, India 74.4%, Bangladesh 73.9%, Bhutan 64.4%, Nepal 64.7% and Afghanistan 38.2%. Pakistan is below all except Afghanistan. The current literacy rate of Pakistan shows that the significant proportion of population is still illiterate. This can explain Pakistan’s low progress and development in the education sector. There is low enrolment rate in primary schools. And if students succeed in secondary education, they face a problem to enrol in higher education. Consequently, the unskilled and uneducated population increases which ultimately gives birth to other social problems like corruption, suicide bombing, terrorism and many more criminal acts. Individual with low literacy rate faces difficult to find jobs and they seek help from government or involves in criminal acts to make their both ends meet.
GUL SAHIBA
Sukkur Sindh
