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Governance gaps in reproductive health

LODHRAN, Dec 22, 2009: Organization for Public Interest (OPI) organized a seminar on "Governance Gaps in Reproductive Health" in Jinnah Hall of Tehsil Municipal Administration here. Several health experts, government representatives and other civil society activists highlighted various gaps in governance system of reproductive health in the district.

Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Anwar Masood, District Support Manager (Punjab Rural Support Programme) said that strategic planning is required for development in health sector. He said that every citizen has the right to better health facilities and the state is responsible for providing these services. He told that PRSP was originated from Lodhran and it has expanded its coverage nationwide. He said that majority of Basic Health Units are located out of communities which create security threats for lady doctors and other staff members. He suggested to solve such basic issues before advancing in health sector.

Ms. Zahra Sajjad Zaidi, Programme Associate SPO said that the reproductive health situation of District Lodhran is very critical and a question mark for responsible officials. She said that the district government should allocate additional resources for solving the problems in the field of reproductive health.

Dr. Samina Matloob (District President Pakistan Muslim League N) said that we need to create awareness about reproductive among the communities. She told that women need extra-ordinary antenatal and postnatal care however our society does not take care of them. She said that healthy nation is not possible without healthy mothers. For that reason, she demanded that special initiatives and awareness raising is urgent need for the health of mothers.

Mr. Tariq Mehmood Sukhera (Deputy District Officer Population Welfare) said that his department is working on different projects for reproductive health in the district. However, additional funds and proper planning is required, he added.

Mr. Gulfam Mustafa, Executive Director of OPI told that the maternal mortality ratio in the district is 550/100,000 in District Lodhran which is much higher than other areas of Pakistan. Similarly, infant mortality ratio 84/1,000 is also highest not only across the country rather much higher than other developing countries. He demanded for special initiatives in the district to control this situation.

Mirza Saleem Akhtar, President Sahara Human Rights Organization said that reproductive health is a fundamental right of every citizen and state is responsible for delivering appropriate services. At this occasion, Hafiza Ishrat Khursheed, Syed Azhar Bukhari, A.D. Anjum and Dr. Arshad Arshi also elaborated the need of action for better situation in terms of reproductive health. A large number of citizens, journalists, students, health practitioners and civil society activists were participants of this event.

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Libraries for empowering youth PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 17 September 2009 20:23

Muhammad Hashim, Abdul Majeed Nashad and Tariq Mehmood are sitting on the stage.LODHRAN, Nov 17, 2009: A seminar on "Libraries for empowering youth" held by OPI at Allama Iqbal Municipal Library here. The purpose of the seminar was to build pressure on the local government to restore the library. The event was chaired by Mr. Tariq Mehmood (Tehsil Officer Finance) while Mr. Muhammad Hashim (Honorary Librarian) and Abdul Majeed Nashad (Ex. President Press Club Lodhran) were guests of honor.

Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Tariq Mehmood admitted the importance of a library for empowering youth and achieving the goal of sustainable development in the society. He said, soon the local government will take initiative for restoration of Allama Iqbal Municipal Library and he will deliver the message of the citizens to responsible authorities. He said that the libraries always play vital role in the development of nations and Allama Iqbal Municipal Library should not be ignored.

Mr. Muhammad Hashim said that he has always tried to maintain the records and assets of the library however it was very difficult for him. He said that a number of departments have been trying to capture the building of the library yet failed due to citizens' reactions. He told that the library was converted into ladies club by one of ex-DCOs with a so-called NGO's efforts while original building of ladies club is still being used a an office of a union council. He said that police department, public safety commission, union council and revenue department have used the building while the library remained closed soon after the devolution till date. He said that OPI has took a great initiative to secure the library and to restore it.

Mr. Abdul Majeed Nashad also appreciated OPI's initiative and said that Allama Iqbal Municipal Library was the only center of learning in the district which was suspended by local government due to negligence and lack of commitment. He said that the library can play very important role in the development of District Lodhran where literacy rate is already second lowest among other districts of the province. He said that the government should provide maximum learning opportunities to the people of District Lodhran in order to cover the gaps in literacy and skills.

Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Gulfam Mustafa (Executive Director of OPI) said that OPI will continue its struggle until the restoration of the library. He said that the library is a fundamental rights of the citizens and government cannot suspend such a useful facility.

Mr. Muhammad Tufail Thakar (Advocate), Mr. Naveed Siddiqui (Teacher and Writer), Rao Muhammad Rafique (Columnist), Mirza Saleem Akhtar (Social Worker) and Mr. Waris Ali (Social Worker and Teacher) also spoke to the seminar and elaborated the need of a library in the district and its importance for empowering youth.

The seminar was supported by 126 participants including civil society activists, literature-loving personalities, civil society activists, students, journalists and ordinary citizens. The activity was co-sponsored by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Multan.
 

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