ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is supervising more than 30 licensed childcare centers in Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj 1447 AH season to support pilgrims’ families and seasonal field workers.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the centers have been prepared to accommodate up to 900 children in safe and professionally supervised environments during the Hajj season.

The report said the facilities provide educational and recreational activities for children of pilgrims, Umrah performers and workers performing field duties during Hajj operations.

Authorities said the initiative aims to reduce pressure on families and enable parents to perform Hajj rituals or official duties with greater peace of mind while their children remain in secure care centers.

The ministry added that the childcare facilities are operating under organized supervision to ensure proper care, safety and quality services for children throughout the Hajj season.

SPA told APP that the initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by improving family support services linked to pilgrims’ comfort and enhancing the overall Hajj experience.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of a province-wide “Disease Prevention Program” aimed at controlling the spread of major life-threatening illnesses.

The initiative will focus on preventing diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, alongside a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate citizens about prevention and treatment.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the program’s objectives and implementation strategy.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to strictly enforce health standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals to prevent outbreaks and improve patient safety.

She also instructed the Punjab Healthcare Commission to ensure compliance with SOPs in private hospitals and clinics.

In addition, the chief minister ordered strict legal action against quack doctors operating across the province, stressing the need to eliminate unsafe medical practices.

She highlighted the importance of public awareness, noting that early detection of symptoms can play a key role in preventing serious complications and saving lives.

Officials said the program aims to strengthen preventive healthcare, reduce disease burden, and promote healthier communities across Punjab.

Islamabad: The Drug Testing Laboratory has declared several batches of medicines unsafe and banned their use after they failed quality tests.

According to officials, multiple tablets, syrups, and injections were found to be substandard during testing.

These include medicines used for heart conditions, pain relief, allergies, cough, and other common treatments.

Among the drugs declared unsafe are Nitros tablets used for heart muscle treatment, Cadin painkillers, Loratadine for allergies, and Esfel cough syrup. Oratizen tablets were also found to be harmful.

Additionally, Deca Durabolin injections, commonly used for bone weakness and anaemia, have been declared unfit for use.

Other affected medicines include Cara Doba injections for blood pressure control, Efasef antibiotic injections, Meteor injections, and Mecobal injections used for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Authorities also flagged Ceforsic antibiotic injections, Sodophenac pain relief injections, and Hecobal injections as unsafe.

Health officials have directed pharmacies and healthcare providers to immediately stop the sale and use of these specific batches to prevent potential health risks.

Citizens have been advised to consult qualified medical professionals before using any medication and report any adverse effects to the relevant authorities.