On World Pharmacists Day 2023 on Tuesday, The News highlighted that 80,000 prescription errors have been reported in the past year at major health centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Prescription errors means that doctors either prescribed wrong medicine, incorrect dosage, or did not take into consideration the interaction between drugs, a potentially fatal error.
“Of these 80,000 prescription errors, 96% errors were accepted and recognized by the prescribing physicians and surgeons and they rectified their prescriptions in consultation with clinical pharmacists to ensure patient safety”, Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, President of Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA), told a ceremony to mark the World Pharmacists Day 2023.
He also highlighted that prescription error is the sixth leading cause of death in developed countries like America as 7000-9000 people die every year due to this mistake.
He urged that there is an urgent need to “introduce clinical pharmacy services at all the public and private health facilities to prevent deaths and disabilities due to medication errors and adverse drug reactions”.
A solution for that, as Shabir Ahmed provided, is pharmacovigilance centers across the country that will keep the prescription procedure in check by detecting, monitoring and preventing “adverse drug reactions” and keep patients safe.
The Pakistani rupee continued to exhibit strength against the US dollar, marking a 0.36 per cent gain in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Remarkably, this marks the rupee’s 16th consecutive appreciation against the greenback.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee settled at Rs288.75, reflecting an increase of Rs1.05 in the inter-bank market. This follows a 0.37 per cent appreciation observed on Tuesday, settling at Rs289.80.
Over the past days, the rupee has consistently followed an upward trajectory, showcasing a remarkable recovery of over 6 per cent since reaching a historic low of Rs307.1 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on September 5.
On the global stage, the US dollar maintained its robust position, trading near a 10-month high against major currencies on Wednesday. This situation is underpinned by the persistent elevation of Treasury yields, driven by expectations of sustained higher US interest rates. Concurrently, the yen faced challenges as it edged closer to a critical intervention threshold.
Recent statements from Federal Reserve officials have hinted at the possibility of further interest rate hikes, despite the central bank’s decision to hold rates steady the previous week. This has led to an ascent in US Treasury yields to levels not seen in several years, as financial markets recalibrate their expectations regarding the potential peak of US rates and the likelihood of a prolonged period of tight monetary conditions.
The US dollar index, a gauge of its strength, recently stood at 106.20, having reached a 10-month peak of 106.26 in the preceding session. Meanwhile, the euro remained subdued, hovering close to a six-month low and trading at approximately $1.0569.
Government and private schools across Punjab will remain closed on Thursday after Punjab government issued an alert in the light of increasing cases of the viral infection, pink eye.
The Punjab Education Department has issued a notification to announce the closure.
Teachers have been instructed to thoroughly check students at the main entrance of schools from Monday in order to detect any patients suffering from pink eye and stop the spread of the eye infection.
Karachi has been at the top of the list of the world’s most polluted cities for the past consecutive two days.
Dawn newspaper quoted ‘IQAir.com’, an air quality monitoring website, stating that Karachi topped the chart, followed by New Delhi.
The concentration of 2.5 particulate matter (pm) in Karachi is 20.3 times higher than the annual air quality guideline value of the World Health Organization (WHO) as last night it recorded an air quality index of 175.
Air quality index readings in the range of 151 to 200 are considered unhealthy, while air quality index readings between 201 and 300 are dangerous and severely harmful to health.
According to the annual report released by ‘IQ Air’, the level of pollution in Karachi has not improved over the past few years, in fact it has increased.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has denounced the statement of former interior minister Rana Sanaullah against interim security czar Sarfraz Bugti.
“Rana Sanaullah is a sensible man but he should not have said something which has multiple meanings,” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said while responding to a question on Geo News’ Capital Talk show programme on Tuesday.
The caretaker interior minister had angered PML-N ranks by stating that if Nawaz Sharif is not granted bail, authorities will arrest him from the airport on October 21, when he arrives back in Pakistan.
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah took exception to the statement, responding to Bugti’s remarks by saying, “Sarfraz Bugti should see the fate of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid before issuing such remarks.”
However, Abbasi also criticised Sarfraz Bugti, stressing that it’s not the responsibility of the interim interior minister to arrest someone. The caretaker security czar is only responsible for ensuring the implementation of the law in the country, Abbassi said.
“If you want to arrest Nawaz Sharif and there is also a court order [regarding arrest], then you will have to implement it,” he maintained.
الیکشن جنوری میں نہیں فروری کے آخر یا مارچ کے شروع میں ہونگے ، شاہد خاقان عباسی کا دعویٰ ، عمران خان نے ڈیل کے تحت بیرون ملک جانے کی تردید کر دی، تحریک انصاف کے وکیل نعیم حیدر پنچھوتہ کا کیپیٹل ٹاک میں دعویٰ @ImranKhanPTI @SKhaqanAbbasi pic.twitter.com/EZD63wmknh
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has unveiled its Hajj policy for 2024, designed to bring a revolutionary transformation to the pilgrimage journey for Pakistani pilgrims.
Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed announced this game-changing policy, which will be presented to the cabinet for approval within the next 10 days.
The most striking feature is the introduction of a short Hajj option, where pilgrims have the flexibility to go for Hajj from 18 to 30 days, which empowers pilgrims to customise their journey as per their preference.
QR codes for suitcases
The new policy also introduces technological advances in which each Hajj pilgrim will be provided with two specially designed suitcases adorned with QR codes. These QR codes will contain essential information such as the pilgrim’s name, passport number, residence, school number, and other pertinent details. This innovation aims to streamline logistics and enhance security during the pilgrimage.
Special Mobile Package
In a significant step towards connectivity, the ministry has secured an agreement with a Saudi Arabian mobile phone company to offer a special mobile package exclusively for Hajj pilgrims. Priced at Rs 4,000, it enables pilgrims to make audio and video calls, ensuring they can stay in touch with their families back in Pakistan throughout their Hajj journey.
Minister Aneeq Ahmed expressed his optimism about these advancements, stating, “Now Pakistani pilgrims will not be lost in the crowd. These changes are designed to simplify the Hajj experience, enhance communication, and provide pilgrims with peace of mind.”
Additionally, the Saudi government has offered official residences for Pakistani pilgrims, further easing their accommodations during their sacred journey.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been shifted to Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail from Attock district jail after a lot of drama. Khan was finally moved to Adiala a day after the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order.
Imran Khan was shifted to Adiala jail under tight security. There were 18 vehicles in a convoy, including 15 vehicles of Islamabad Police. The PTI chairman was transferred from Attock to Adiala jail via the Motorway.
According to jail officials, Imran has been kept in a barrack in Adiala where Nawaz Sharif was also kept. The former prime minister has B-class facilities in Adiala jail.
On Monday, IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq issued an order to shift the PTI chief from Attock to Adiala jail. The IHC chief justice remarked that Imran Khan deserves a better class in jail as he is the former prime minister of Pakistan.
His rights should not be violated, Justice Farooq stated.
Israeli tourism minister, Haim Katz, visited Saudi Arabia for a United Nations (UN) conference. It is said to be the first public trip of an Israeli cabinet member to Saudi Arabia.
Leading a delegation, Katz arrived in Riyadh to attend the UN event on Tuesday.
“Cooperation in the field of tourism has the potential to bring hearts together, and economic progress,” Katz stated.
The meeting has been held a few days after US President Joe Biden urged the establishment of formal ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
“I think such a peace would go a long way first to advance the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict, achieve reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Jewish state, and advance a genuine peace between Israel and the Palestinians. This is something within our reach,” Israeli prime minister had said to Biden.
On Tuesday, the same day as Saudi Arabia and Israel met, a Saudi delegation went to the occupied West Bank — first in three decades — to reassure Palestinians that despite the improving relationship with Israel, Saudi Arabia will continue to stand by Palestinians.
“The Palestinian matter is a fundamental pillar,” said Naif bin Bandar Al Sudairi, head of the Saudi delegation and new ambassador to Palestine. He met with top Palestinian diplomat Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah.
Pakistani Swifties can no longer complain about having a Cruel Summer because soon, they will get a chance to watch Taylor Swift’s upcoming concert film ‘The Eras Tour’ in theatres. Like the mastermind that she is, the singer announced today that her film is releasing worldwide on October 13, and Pakistan is among the 100 countries where it is screening.
The tour isn’t the only thing we’re taking worldwide…….. Been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theaters WORLDWIDE on Oct 13! Tickets available now at https://t.co/Oyy6tFmfeV or on your local theaters website! pic.twitter.com/rYJUpbHPJd
Taylor Swift announced the Eras Tour concert film on August 31 on her Instagram account, which is set to feature 44 performances ranging from all of her ten albums. The tour has received rave reviews from journalists, with Billboard calling it ‘must-see blockbuster of the year’ and Rolling Stone praising the ‘Anti Hero’ singer delivering a legendary performance every night.
“The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon Starting Oct 13th you’ll be able to experience the concert film in theaters in North America! Tickets are on sale now. Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged 1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk)”
The beloved reality television show ‘Tamasha Ghar’ ended on Sunday with contestant Aruba Mirza declared as the winner of the second season. Social media users are still criticising the way several well-deserved constants like actress Natasha Ali, model Zainab Raza or Neha Khan were removed. Many of these comments have targeted the host,’Badshah Salamat’ actor Adnan Siddiqui, who has now addressed them with a long note on Instagram.
Posting a picture with the actor sitting on a throne chair during the finale, the ‘Mom’ actor wrote: “‘Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.’ Shakespeare’s King Henry IV poetically agonised how those in the seat of power are beset with restlessness and worry. The burden of responsibilities never ceases to lessen for them. From the vantage point of Badshah Salamat for Tamasha the second time round, I can see why the throne is a two-edged sword. It gets you power to take decisions but not without constant accountability. You aren’t allowed to slip, you can’t falter and you definitely cannot let your prejudices creep in.”
The ‘Maat’ actor went on share that the job as a host of a reality show is not easy, with the scrutinising gaze of millions of viewers judging every decision you make: “While you are judging the housemates, you too are under scrutiny by them and by the millions who are watching you on the screen analysing your every move. Every decision that you take brings you bouquets or brickbats and sometimes both. How demanding it is to maintain a balanced approach? I’d say yes.”
“Reality shows expose human beings at one of their most base levels,” continued the ‘Meray Pass Tum Ho’ actor. “When people are thrown together with strangers in a closed, hostile environment which is also competitive, your most basic instinct, that’s survival, is activated. There’s no loved one around to confide in, friendships are transactional, affection is a rare commodity and to top it all, they are always striving to outdo their fellow mates wittingly or unwittingly. For two years in a row, I have seen human emotions as raw as they could be inside Tamasha Ghar. And believe me, it takes immense mental strength to live under the glare of camera 24 hours for weeks together.”
Ending the note, the actor requested fans to stop assuming they’re much better judges than he is, and to hold back on the criticism.
“I have often been criticised for being biased by fans and supporters of the contestants. My comment section and DMs is their favourite playground these days. They not only feel short-changed sometimes but also are supremely confident that they would done a more objective, more fair job. I read the feedback, amused by the simplistic view the audiences offer. And I again go back to King Henry IV.”
Adnan also added a cryptic note addressing the critics on his Instagram stories, with the caption: “There are many people out here who would be in great shape if they ran as much as their mouth does.”
