The writer is a Fulbright scholar in healthcare management and associate, communications and media relations at the Aga Khan University Hospital. The views expressed are her own.
IN December 2020, Zafarullah Khan Jamali, former prime minister of Pakistan, died. Prior to the verified news of his passing, a rumour circulated on several social and broadcast media that Mr Jamali had passed away while fighting for his life in the ICU. President Arif Alvi tweeted, ‘confirming’ the supposed death. His tweet was picked up in no time by all leading media outlets. The family shared their discomfort and frustration on hearing the rumour that had spread like wildfire during an already stressful time. The president’s tweet was later deleted and replaced with an apology to the family. As these chain of events unravelled, it left many questioning patient confidentiality and dignity in Pakistan.
AGP Gets Approval to Import Russian Coronavirus Vaccine to Pakistan
AGP Limited, a Karachi-based pharmaceutical firm, is set to import the Russian Coronavirus vaccine- Sputnik V- to Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by AGP, the company will now ensure the availability of a sufficient supply of Sputnik V vaccine on an emergency basis to augment government’s effort in vaccinating the masses.
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CEO and Managing Director Nusrat Munshi said “AGP would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, for their tireless efforts in ensuring registration of the Sputnik V Vaccine on a fast-track basis.
By Misbah Saba Malik and Liu Tian | Xinhua | Updated: 2021-02-01 11:10 Share CLOSE A staff member displays a sample of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine at a vaccine production plant of China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm) in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine aid provided by China to Pakistan is another testament to the traditional friendship between the two countries.
With over half a million cases and more than 11,000 deaths, Pakistan is struggling against the second wave of the deadly coronavirus.
The pandemic has affected people from all walks of life, especially teachers and students.
Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination
Islamabad, January 28, 2021 (PPI-OT): The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was held on Thursday, the 28st January, 2021 at 11.00 a.m. in the Parliament House under the Chairpersonship of Senator Khushbakht Shujat.
The meeting was attended by Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Dr. Sikander Mandhro, Senator Dr. Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, and Senator Muhammad Dilawar Khan. Dr. Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and senior officers of the Ministry and other relevant departments also attended the meeting.
KMU nominates for regional network
Peshawar
January 22, 2021
PESHAWAR: The National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) asked the Khyber Medical University (KMU) to join the regional network of Institution for Evidence and Data To Policy (NEDTP).
A press release said as per the prescribed criteria of World Health Organisaiton, the KMU should be in a formal relationship with the Ministry of Health, either structurally linked with the ministry or having a long-term established relationship and collaboration with it or expected to play a key role in collaboration with the ministry and other key partners to strengthen health policies, monitor and improve their implementation and evaluate the impact on policies on health outcomes.