Azra Fazal Pechuho holds meeting with Dr Adil H. Haider

KARACHI: Azra Fazal Pechuho,  Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, met with the representatives of Aga Khan University to discuss the ongoing relief efforts for all those affected by the floods in Sindh.

The meeting was attended by Qasim Siraj Soomro, Parliamentary Secretary of Health, Dr Adil H. Haider, Dean of AKU, Zahid Memon, Director at Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health at AKU, and others.

Azra Pechuho, and Qasim Soomro, who have visited a majority of the sites flood, provided insight to the AKU representatives and briefed them on the needs of the hour.

Dr Haider said that there were currently three mobile health units in the flood-affected areas through AKU and that the internal faculty, alums, and university were actively fundraising for flood relief.

 The Sindh Health Department has had 4210 fixed and 2137 mobile medical and health camps around the province since July, so the data collected by their HR will be useful in informing AKU's plan of action as well.

Azra Pechuho said that due to the water being contaminated, cases of skin infections are increasing and that dermatologists are needed in flood-affected areas.

Azra Pechuho further added that plans of action must be modified to accommodate populations migrating to drier regions and deserts, and their health needs must be catered to regardless of location.

Qasim Soomro said that the displaced population is in huge numbers and that rehabilitation will be a long-term process.

Dr Haider said that their health care workers and volunteers are looking to extend their support and will commit to this work over the upcoming months.