ISLAMABAD2: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath on Tuesday directed the executive director (ED) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) to address the issues of doctors.

He issued the direction after a meeting with a delegation of doctors from the hospital at the health ministry.

The delegation was led by Young Doctors Association (YDA) Vice President Dr Hashir Iqbal and comprised Dr Bilal, Dr Shahzad, Dr Ahmed, Dr Talat and Dr Faisal.

The delegation informed the PM’s coordinator that since 2020 their salaries had not been increased.

The delegation also shared with the coordinator problems of foreign graduates who have failed to get the licence to practice despite a number of attempts/exams.

Dr Mukhtar also directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to look into the issues of the foreign graduates.

IHRA fixes rates for dengue tests

As dengue season has started, Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has fixed rates for dengue tests.

“The IIHRA has observed that the number of dengue cases has increased and there arc chances for an exponential rise. IHRA wants to draw the attention of all healthcare establishments (HCEs) to this matter in order to effectively manage the upcoming dengue outbreak in the Islamabad Capital Territory,” it stated in a statement.

“In view of the above mentioned situation, IHRA directs all HCE’s in the ICT to ensure the allocation of a certain number of beds for dengue patients as per the isolation SOPs besides ensuring the presence of dedicated, trained, skilled staff and providing them with refresher training,” it stated.

Health facilities have been directed to develop posters about dengue awareness, prevention, and actions to be taken when symptoms develop and place them at appropriate places within their premises.

They have also been directed to charge Rs100 for CBC test and Rs1,800 for NSl Elisa test.

According to IHRA Chief Executive Officer Dr Quaid Saeed, teams will periodically inspect the HCEs to ensure compliance with the directives.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2024