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.

Quetta: Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Durrani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and dignity of women and girls through legislative reforms.

Chairing a consultative meeting, the minister discussed a proposed joint resolution to reduce or abolish taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) products across the province.

The MHM Working Group organized the session in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan.

Officials and development partners participated in the meeting, focusing on easing financial barriers that limit access to essential health products.

Former health minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch stressed the need for cross-party consensus to ensure affordable healthcare necessities for women.

MHM Working Group chairperson Dr Tahira Kamal Umrani highlighted that reducing taxes on hygiene products is a key public health priority, particularly for marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Khan expressed readiness to review the proposal from an administrative perspective.

The proposed resolution seeks either a 50% reduction or a complete exemption from provincial taxes on essential hygiene products, aiming to make them accessible to vulnerable groups.

Lawmakers agreed to expedite the drafting process and present the resolution in the Balochistan Assembly.

The initiative is expected to set a strong precedent for women-focused policy reforms and improve access to basic health necessities across the province.