Quetta, 22 September 2023 (TDI): Dr Palitha Mahipala, the Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently met with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, to discuss WHO’s initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Balochistan.
The health sector in Balochistan has long been challenged by instability and underdevelopment, leading to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and services.
The region’s struggle for stability and development has significantly impacted the quality of healthcare accessible to its residents, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive interventions to address these issues.
In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in Balochistan, the World Health Organization (WHO) is undertaking a series of interventions to deliver comprehensive care to the region’s population.
These initiatives include the establishment of 28 NSCs (National Service Centers), the renovation of 125 EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) sites, and the upgrading of 100 Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities.
Additionally, WHO is actively engaged in recruiting and deploying vaccinators and nurses to bolster healthcare access and delivery in the region.
Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki of Balochistan has made the enhancement of the healthcare sector a top priority for his administration.
In a proactive initiative, he conducted unannounced morning visits to multiple health centers in Quetta to evaluate the presence and effectiveness of healthcare personnel personally.
During an unannounced visit to the Pashtoonabad basic health unit, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, personally assessed staff attendance and conducted an inspection of the pharmacy store.
Also read: WHO Supports Health Service Deliveries in Sindh
In a gesture of support for Balochistan’s healthcare efforts, WHO has contributed equipment valued at 20 million PKR to the Department of Health.
Additionally, Dr. Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, marked the occasion by officially opening the Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Centre, a vital facility at Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta, bolstering the region’s response to this health challenge.
