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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.