Collaboration Key to Making Family Planning Initiative a Success: Health Minister

06/10/21

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said here on Wednesday that effective family planning is key to social development in modern world. Speaking at the meeting of Provincial Task Force on Population Welfare at Civil Secretariat, the Health Minister said that progress is directly linked with family planning. Present in the meeting were Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Minister for Population Welfare Col (Retd.) Hashim Dogar, officials of Population Welfare Department, Health Department (s), UNFPA, members of Punjab Assembly, P&D and other departments. Special Secretary Health, Secretary Population Welfare and Director General Health Services presented report on recommendations of Provincial Task Force. The Health Minister said, "Complete implementation on recommendations of Task Force can be a game changer. Prosperity and development of a country is linked with family planning. Role of Lady Health Workers is pivotal to family planning. Ulema can play key role as well. Health Department is working jointly with Population Welfare Department on family planning.  All stakeholders will have to play their role. Prime Minister Imran Khan is fully supporting the initiative. In the next two weeks, joint and collaborative recommendations shall be submitted by Population Department s) and Population Welfare Department." Minister for Population Welfare Col (Retd.) Hashim Dogar said that Ulema are being requested to support the family planning initiative and they have been provided trainings. Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bukht said behaviour change is required and education guarantees prosperity in societies. He said all required resources shall be provided to make family planning initiative a success.