LAHORE: Auto destructive syringes will be introduced to control the spread of hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and other infectious diseases.

The syringes will be introduced in public sector hospitals in the first phase, says Chief Minister`s adviser on health Khwaja Salman Rafique.

AtameetingwithDrugRegulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) officials here on Wednesday, he said reuse of disposable syringes was the main cause of spreading infectious and blood diseases. `A joint actioncommittee has been constituted which will submit its recommendations within a week,` a handout quoted him as saying.

The adviser said manufacturers and importers of disposable syringes would also be taken on board for switching over from dispo sable to auto destructive syringes.

He said the reuse of disposable syringes by addicts was spreading HIV/AIDs and hepatitis in society.

UPGRADED: The pathological laboratory of the Lady AitchisonHospital has been upgraded.

Medical Superintendent Dr Samina Naseer said HbA1C coagulation profile machine, fully automated chemistry analyzer and CBC analyzer had been installed at a cost of Rs4.5 million.

She said advanced blood tests of patients would now be possible in the hospital.

PROMOTION: The Provincial Selection Board has decided to grant promotion to 180 senior medical officers (BS-18) to the rank ofadditional principal medical officers (BS-19).

Fulfilling the 20-point criteria for promotion, the beneficiaries belong to the primary and secondary healthcare department`s general cadre list from seniority number 301 to 600.

An official handout says 120 senior medical officers on the seniority list could not qualify for the promotion criteria due to deficient dossier and securing less than 60 points minimally required for the promotion from grade 18 to 19, says a handout.