Category: Lahore

Lahore: High blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy not only pose serious risks to the health of expectant mothers but also endanger the well-being of their babies, increasing the chances of miscarriage and other severe complications.

If blood glucose levels exceed the required limit, issues such as high blood pressure, protein secretion in the urine, and body swelling can arise, further exacerbating pregnancy risks.

Renowned gynecologist and Principal of Ameer Uddin Medical College, Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, highlighted these concerns during a special lecture on 'Problems Caused by Gestational Diabetes in Women and Preventive Measures' on Saturday. The lecture was attended by a large number of gynecologists and medical students.

Prof. Al-Fareed emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups and timely diagnostic tests during pregnancy to detect complications early and ensure proper treatment. He stated, 'If the mother and child remain healthy throughout the pregnancy, the chances of delivering a normal and healthy baby increase significantly. However, if a child is born with disabilities or medical conditions due to negligence during pregnancy, it not only affects the family but also becomes a societal concern.'

The professor warned that gestational diabetes can hinder fetal growth, resulting in either an extremely low birth weight or excessive weight gain, which can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and child. In such cases, doctors are often forced to perform emergency C-sections to protect both lives.

Additionally, he noted that diabetes during pregnancy could lead to high blood pressure, affecting the baby's organs and increasing the risk of congenital heart diseases. Some women already suffering from Type 2 diabetes before pregnancy should consult their doctors while planning for a child to prevent the condition from worsening.

Prof. Al-Fareed pointed out that many women temporarily develop Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, which typically resolves after childbirth. However, if proper precautions are not taken, both the mother and baby can face severe complications, including abnormal fetal growth and developmental issues.

He further explained that in some cases, diabetes-related complications cause excessive weight gain in the fetus, increasing the risk of C-section deliveries and severe health hazards for the mother. 'Due to a lack of awareness regarding health principles, the risks for both mother and child increase significantly, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities,' he added.

The Principal of LGH and PGMI urged health professionals to take an active role in spreading awareness about gestational diabetes and related complications. He stressed that creating awareness among women and society is crucial to ensuring a healthier future generation.

'Healthcare professionals must come forward and educate the masses to build a healthier society. Preventive measures and timely intervention can save countless lives,' Prof. Al-Fareed concluded.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a groundbreaking step toward the economic empowerment of rural women by launching Punjab's first comprehensive IT and digital skills training programme.

Under this initiative, 27,000 rural women will receive scholarships during their online training, along with desktop computers and free Wi-Fi devices upon completion.

The Punjab Skills Development Department (PSDF) will provide six months of online training, and rural women can apply from home through the official website (psdf.org.pk). The program will cover IT, web development, coding, digital marketing, e-commerce, social media management, graphic design, freelancing, remote work, data entry, office automation, and cybersecurity. Upon completion, participants will receive certification and job placement support.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that the initiative will allow rural women to start freelancing, establish tech firms, or run online businesses from home, removing traditional barriers of distance and mobility. She added, 'Through IT and digital technology, we will economically empower women, enabling them to lead Punjab's digital revolution.'

The chief minister noted that digital education will not only enhance employment opportunities but also promote gender equality, reduce economic disparity, and integrate rural women into the global IT market. She added, 'Technology education will not just be a skill-it will be a tool for rural women to shape their own bright future.'

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced plans to extend the queue management system to all tertiary care hospitals in the province.

While currently operational in 16 out of 58 hospitals with the assistance of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the system will now be introduced in the remaining hospitals to enhance patient management and reduce waiting times.

Chairing a meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners (DCs) at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on Saturday, the minister emphasized the importance of feedback from district authorities to improve healthcare facilities. The meeting was held on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government's broader initiative to strengthen the health sector.

Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership, significant developments are taking place in healthcare. Among them is the construction of Asia's largest Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, alongside the establishment of Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology in Lahore and Sargodha. Additionally, flagship healthcare programs such as the Chief Minister's Children's Heart Surgery Program, Chief Minister's Dialysis Program, and the Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Transplant Program are being introduced to improve medical services for the public.

The minister reaffirmed that cleanliness in government hospitals is a priority and that duty rosters will be displayed to ensure accountability among healthcare staff. He also announced that the Punjab government is allocating additional funds beyond the regular budget for the uninterrupted supply of medicines in hospitals. Moreover, strict licensing and hygiene protocols for blood banks are being implemented, while infection control measures are being strengthened across all government hospitals.

To modernize hospital services, the Punjab government has introduced E-tendering for parking and cafeteria contracts. In a major initiative, medicines are now being delivered to patients' homes through Pakistan Post from seven cardiac hospitals and five cancer hospitals. The Punjab Healthcare Commission has been directed to conduct regular inspections of hospitals, and commissioners and DCs will play a crucial role in assessing hospital performance and suggesting improvements.

Khawaja Salman Rafique reiterated that ensuring quality healthcare services remains a top priority for the Punjab government. He emphasized that the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to achieving a robust and efficient healthcare system for the people of Punjab.

During the meeting, Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mahmood, Special Secretaries Tariq Mahmood Rahmani and Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, and other senior officials from the health department and Punjab Healthcare Commission discussed budgetary allocations and other administrative matters. Commissioners and DCs attended via video link and shared their suggestions to further enhance healthcare services.

Lahore: Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Jail Reforms Agenda, significant progress has been made in rehabilitating prisoners by integrating them into jail industries.

The Punjab Home Department has announced that prisoners working in various jail industries have started receiving wages, enabling them to support their families while serving their sentences.

Punjab Home Department's spokesperson told media on Saturday that in a notable development, inmates at District Jail Shahpur received wages before Eid for producing Nooroozi sandals, a popular traditional footwear. These handcrafted sandals are now being sold in the market, and the earnings are directly deposited into the prisoners' personal accounts.

He stated that prisoners are being trained under the supervision of experts, ensuring that their products meet high standards of quality, durability, and craftsmanship. He added that providing vocational training and employment opportunities to inmates paves the way for their reintegration into society as productive citizens after their release.

Additionally, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry is assisting in the sale, customer service, and delivery of products made by prisoners. Across Punjab, inmates are engaged in manufacturing furniture, carpets, handicrafts, utensils, paper, tiles, phenyl, perfumes, soap, LED bulbs, tissue paper, footballs, and more.

Furthermore, prisoners are receiving vocational training in fields such as motor mechanics, barbering, cooking, beauty services, and IT to enhance their employability after release.

The spokesperson said that the jail industry and skilled prisoner programs stand as a model of successful prison reforms, aiming to empower inmates with dignity, self-sufficiency, and a brighter future.

Lahore: The Pakistan Railways has announced a special Eid-ul-Fitr gift for passengers by offering a 20 percent discount on train fares.

The initiative aims to facilitate travelers and promote rail travel during the festive season.

According to an official notification issued on Saturday,the discounted fares will be applicable on all mail,express and intercity trains for the first three days of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Passengers making advance bookings will also be eligible for the reduced fares.However,the discount will not apply to Eid Special Trains.

The Pakistan Railways has directed all booking offices to strictly implement the fare reduction to ensure passengers benefit from the offer.

The initiative was expected to provide financial relief and convenience to those traveling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families.

Lahore: Lahore Divisional Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood reviewed the security arrangements and final stages of the Youm-e-Ali central procession from the District Administration's Central Control Room, here on Saturday.

He also monitored the security setup from the Metro Station bridge. The central procession, which began from Mubarak Haveli, followed its traditional route and concluded peacefully at Karbala Gamay Shah.

The Commissioner commended the district administration, Lahore police, and religious scholars for ensuring a peaceful and well-organized event. He emphasized that foolproof security arrangements were implemented by the district administration and police, with officials working tirelessly to fulfill their duties.