Dr Mohammad Assai Ardakani, Acting WHO Representative in Pakistan, noted that as Glucantime was an expensive medicine, a more sustainable solution needed to be found, and suggested that the medicine be registered with the Drug Authority of Pakistan. Dr Ardakani welcomed the Social Health Insurance scheme launched by the Provincial Department of Health, noting that it will reduce the burden of disease and facilitate the access of the poor to comprehensive health care services.
Dr Ardakani and Dr Shabina Raza launched the leishmaniasis treatment campaign at the Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar. Dr Nek Dad Afridi, Director of the Hospital, and Professor Dr Azar Rasheed also spoke at the event.
