SUKKUR: Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, has stated that the World Health Organization is supporting health service delivery in Sindh Flood-affected areas by providing essential medicines, medical equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements, and renovating and refurbishing damaged health infrastructure in the province, in close coordination with the Department of Health.
Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, has stated that the World Health Organization is supporting health service delivery in Sindh Flood-affected areas by providing essential medicines, medical equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements, and renovating and refurbishing damaged health infrastructure in the province, in close coordination with the Department of Health.
He remarked this while speaking at an event in WHO Sukkur Hub to give over crucial medicines and supplies to the Sindh health department.
Dr Muhammad Juman Bahoto, Director General of Health for Sindh, accepted the shipment on behalf of the Sindh Health department. In addition to Dr Sara Salman, the head of the WHO Sub Office in Sindh, District Health Officers from the Sukkur and Larkana Divisions and Medical Superintendents from several hospitals were present.
Dr Palitha Mahipala, speaking during the occasion, stated that the floods and rain disaster had caused extensive loss of life and property, with health facilities being the most hit sector.
According to him, 2,000 health facilities, or 12 per cent of all health facilities in the country, have been devastated.
The WHO will continue to support the health department, according to Dr Palitha. For example, controlling the spread of malaria and water-borne diseases and establishing 19 Nutrition Stabilization Centers (NSC) to alleviate the impacts of child malnutrition.
Director General of Health for Sindh, Dr Muhammad Juman Bahoto, praised WHO for their active engagement in relief and rehabilitation efforts for flood-affected Sindhi citizens.
He stated that with the cooperation of the WHO, the Sindh health department has created numerous health camps and reached flooded areas and individuals. In addition, with WHO's assistance, the health department has constructed camps to care for nearly 10 million afflicted individuals in the province.
On this occasion, Sheikh Zaid Women and Children Hospital Larkana received critical medicines and nutritional supplements, while THQ hospital Rohri received essential equipment for the labour room and gyne ward.