KARACHI, April 10 : On the theme of World Health Day, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, a meeting of the Hamdard Shura Karachi was held yesterday at the Hamdard Corporate Head Office, presided over by Speaker Gen (r) Moinuddin Haider, in the presence of President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, Ms. Sadia Rashid.
Renowned gynecologist Dr. Rizwana Ansari, while addressing the gathering as the chief guest, said that the foundation of a healthy society lies in maternal and child health. Every child is a symbol of hope, and every newborn is a clear sign of God’s mercy and blessings. As a society, we are the custodians of this divine mercy.
She said: “A glance at the national healthcare infrastructure reveals that, only one doctor is available for several thousand people. Overall, the country’s medical infrastructure is in a fragile state. According to the World Health Organization, at least six percent of the GDP should be allocated to the health sector.”
She also said: “It is reassuring that the health budget has been significantly increased in the province of Sindh. The social trend of purchasing and using medicines, of untrained physicians, which are promoted on social media must be strongly discouraged. Hundreds of babies are stillborn every day. Out of every thousand births, more than fifty infants die within the first month of life. Due to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and the adulteration of food items, many mothers and children are suffering from malnutrition.”
She further stated that, with a formal fatwa from Darul Uloom Karachi, the country’s first milk collection bank was established to ensure the supply of essential milk for malnourished children. A complete record of the women donating milk was maintained to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. However, due to misconceptions and propaganda, this milk center was shut down. Since then, many children suffering from malnutrition have lost their lives.
Renowned gynecologist Dr. Rizwana Ansari is addressing the meeting of Hamdard Shura Karachi under the presidentship of Speaker Hamdard Shura General (Rtd.) Moinuddin Haider on the theme of World Health Day “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future” at Hamdard Corporate Office Karachi organized by Hamdard Foundation Pakistan. Ms. Sadia Rashid is also present on the occasion.
Dr. Rizwana said that “There are many widespread misconceptions among the public that must be addressed. Due to such attitudes, diseases like diphtheria and measles are re-emerging. Polio cases are also continuously increasing. A large portion of the country’s population resides in rural areas, where women have limited access to healthcare facilities. The Sindh government has taken some commendable steps, such as encouraging women to use hospital services for childbirth instead of relying on traditional home birth methods. Positive outcomes are expected from this initiative.”
She concluded by pointing out the increase in use of narcotics among women. “Drug use among women is also on the rise. Substances like gutka, mainpuri, and chaliya are no longer even considered intoxicants.” “Legislation should be passed to ensure that children traveling within the country receive polio vaccinations at bus terminals, airports, and train stations. Legal action and heavy fines should be imposed on parents who obstruct this process”, she urged.
Gen (r) Moinuddin Haider stated that the midwifery system needs to be modernized to reduce maternal and infant mortality during childbirth. There is a need to enhance entrepreneurial skills among women, as empowered and independent women make informed decisions regarding family planning. He emphasized the important role of female religious scholars in guiding women in light of Islamic teachings.
Engineer Ibnul-Hasan stated that Pakistan must develop a comprehensive strategy to control its population. Bangladesh is also a Muslim country, yet it has successfully managed to control its population. The Bangladeshi government focused particularly on women’s livelihood, which is why many industries there employ only women.
Cdre. (r) Sadeed Anwar Malik stated that we must raise children according to the kind of nation we aspire to become. For this purpose, no institution is more important than schools. Children should be provided with an intellectual and healthy environment where their creative and imaginative abilities can flourish. More important than policy-making is the effective implementation of that policy within society.
Prof Dr. Khalida Ghaus stated that the age when young people should be building their careers is often the same age when they are married. Due to a lack of healthcare facilities and awareness, many young girls lose their lives during childbirth.
Deputy Speaker Shura Col (r) Mukhtar Ahmad Butt, Zafar Iqbal Ahmed, Huma Baig, Prof Dr. Tanveer Khalid, Nusrat Sarfaraz, Engineer Pervez Sadiq, Rizwan Ahmed, Amir Tauseen, Dr. Amjad Jafri, and others also expressed their views. The Director of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, Syed Muhammad Arsalan, was also present at the meeting. During the session, the Shura members congratulated Ms. Sadia Rashid on receiving the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and the participants expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Senator Taj Haider.
