Health minister reviews diagnostic facilities at PIC Lab

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lab and Diagnostic Center on Friday to assess the modern diagnostic facilities being provided to patients.

During the visit, the minister reviewed echocardiography and other diagnostic services available at the center. He stated that, along with advanced pathology tests, the lab also offers ECG and echocardiography facilities to cater to patients' needs.

Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness at the lab and directed the staff to further enhance echocardiography services.

Medical Superintendent of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Dr. Shoaib Aslam, accompanied the minister during the visit.

Pharmacy Council to be fully automated: Khawaja Salman

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced the government's plan to fully automate the Punjab Pharmacy Council (PPC) during his visit to the institution on Friday.

Chairing a meeting to review PPC's performance, the minister emphasized the importance of modernizing pharmacy education and training to enhance the capacity of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said, "Modern subjects will be introduced into the curriculum of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in medical colleges and universities across Punjab. Specialized training courses will be launched to improve their skills and capacity." He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Punjab and federal governments to strengthen the pharmacy sector.

The minister expressed his determination to enhance the Punjab Pharmacy Council's capacity, enabling it to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare delivery.

During the visit, Secretary Punjab Pharmacy Council, Dr. Zaka-ur-Rehman, briefed the minister on the council's performance and initiatives. Deputy Secretary Technical Department Specialized Health Care and Medical Education, Dr. Abdul Rehman, accompanied the minister, while Registrar Syed Ahmad Nazir Gilani and other officials were present.

Punjab to establish province-wide simulation centers: Health minister

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced plans to establish a simulation center across the province following the successful implementation of a simulation center at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA). Presiding over a meeting on simulation training at KEMU on Friday, the minister stated, 'This training will significantly enhance the skills of doctors and paramedics. Regular simulation training will be initiated at KEMU and Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), while Rescue 1122 paramedics will also benefit from these programs.' KEMU Vice Chancellor Professor Mahmood Ayaz assured full support for expanding simulation training programs at the university. Dr. Anjum from the University of Washington provided a detailed briefing on the effectiveness of simulation labs, showcasing their role in improving medical education and practice. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique appreciated Dr. Anjum's presentation and stresse d the importance of introducing simulation training in all medical schools in Lahore. He highlighted that departments such as gynecology, orthopedics, and surgery would greatly benefit from this modern approach. Professor Abrar Ashraf and Professor Ahmed Uzair Qureshi echoed the need for simulation-based learning in medical education. The meeting was attended by prominent medical professionals, including Professor Muhammad Moin, CEO Mayo Hospital Professor Faisal Masood, Professor Saima Iqbal, Dr. Irfan Asmat Butt, and others.

Shower spell likely till January 6

Lahore: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rain-wind/thunderstorm in most parts of the province including the provincial metropolis till January 6.

According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a frontal weather system is present over upper parts of the country and likely to persist in upper parts till 06th January and under the influence of this weather system, rain-wind/thunderstorm with heavy snowfall in Murree and Galliyat till January 6 with occasional gaps.

Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Pothohar region, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jahng and Toba Tek Singh during the same period while light rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Bahawalnagar till 05th January, 2025 with occasional gaps.

Heavy snowfall may cause road closure/ slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Qilla Saifullah till 06th January, 2025.

Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and may avoid unnecessary travelling during the period while rain may be beneficial for the standing crops in Barani areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Cold wave conditions likely to grip most parts of the country followed by the wet spell and dense foggy conditions may develop in plains of the country after the forecast period.

Azma condoles death of journalist’s mother

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of senior journalist Nadeem Nisar's mother.

In her condolence message to Nisar, the minister described the loss as an immense shock and an irreparable tragedy for the family. Sharing in the grief of the bereaved family, Azma prayed for elevation of the deceased's soul and patience and strength for the mourning family during this difficult time.

Shower spell likely till January 6

Lahore: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rain-wind/thunderstorm in most parts of the province including the provincial metropolis till January 6.

According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a frontal weather system is present over upper parts of the country and likely to persist in upper parts till 06th January and under the influence of this weather system, rain-wind/thunderstorm with heavy snowfall in Murree and Galliyat till January 6 with occasional gaps.

Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Pothohar region, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jahng and Toba Tek Singh during the same period while light rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Bahawalnagar till 05th January, 2025 with occasional gaps.

Heavy snowfall may cause road closure/ slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Qilla Saifullah till 06th January, 2025.

Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and may avoid unnecessary travelling during the period while rain may be beneficial for the standing crops in Barani areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Cold wave conditions likely to grip most parts of the country followed by the wet spell and dense foggy conditions may develop in plains of the country after the forecast period.