Health Expo begins today
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—A first two-day International “Health Expo 2006” being started here at Jinnah Convention Centre today (Wednesday) IS likely to be attended by President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
All the arrangements in this respect have been completed. The expo has been divided into four categories including showcasing of the local andforeign pharma and surgical goods, industries, medical equipment and accessories manufactures. The expo which is being organized by the Ministry of Health with the theme “Health and Beyond” aims at creating awareness on health issues among masses and bringing together health experts and representatives of pharmaceutical sector.
Leading national and international experts on various health issues are expected to attend the exhibition. A number of foreign delegates will participate in the special technical sessions that will be held on the sidelines of the exhibitions to exchange ideas and expertise in various public health fields, clinical medicine and pharmaceuticals.
These eminent speakers will deliver lectures in seminars and workshops to be held on various issues. Experts will also give free medicaladvices to participants on balanced nutrition, skin care and other diseases.
Expo will provide a platform to participants from various countries formaking free exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise in the fields of public health, clinical medicine and pharmaceutical. The participants will be informed about medical facilities being provided by the government besides informing quality of surgical and othermedical equipment being manufactured in the country.
Similarly the expo will also highlight the achievements and advances of medical education and medical services being provided in the countrywhile the carnival will also be part of this expo.
The ministry has invited health ministers of countries located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO), stretching from Pakistan in South Asia to Morocco in North Africa besidesministers from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.
The exhibition will also have various entertainment activities for people, including various types of food, puppet and magic shows for children, healthy baby contests, hot air balloon rides and health, beauty and fitness pavilions managed by renowned health clubs and beauticians in the last category of exhibition. Leading singer Jawad Ahmad and Ibrar Ul Haq would also entertain the participants of expo through their magic voice.