Soomro announces $ 5000 for APPNA’s burn cell
By Saad Saud

RAWALPINDI—Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro Saturday announced the grant of US $ 5000 for the Burn Cell established at Holy Family Hospital here by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descents of North American (APPNA).
He made this announcement at concluding ceremony of 27th APPNA Annual Winter Conference. Soomro lauded the role of APPNA in improving the health sector of the country. He also commended the association for being proactive in the rehabilitation efforts for the earthquake victims in NWFP and AJK.
The Chairman Senate said Government is according high importance to the provision of healthcare facilities to the people at their doorsteps.
“Government is determined to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) by improving health, education and other key sectors,” he remarked. Government, he said, has also focused on the rural and far flung areas of the country to facilitate the people.
He said special incentives, which also lucrative salary packages, have been offered to the doctors and para medical staff.
Speaking on the occasion, US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryna C Crocker said US has launched different programmes to the tune of US $ 3 billion to bring about improvement in education, health and socials sectors of Pakistan.
He appreciated the prudent policies of President General Pervez Musharraf which are aimed at bringing reforms in health, education and social sectors.
He said US intends to forge long term strategic ties with Pakistan. “Pakistan is our partner and a close ally. We have deep strategic relations with Pakistan,” he said.
He also appreciated the role of APPNA in providing healthcare facilities to the people. Abdul Rasheed Paracha, President APPNA, briefed the participants on programmes launched by the association to improve health sector. Also present during the ceremony were diplomates, senior government officials and doctors.