UNHCR’s health project to benefit 200,000 patients in Balochistan

Press Release

QUETTA, 7 August, 2017: In an effort to improve the health services in public hospitals in Quetta, the UN Refugee Agency Monday handed over a health project worth Rs35.4million (USD350,000) to the provincial health department that will benefit 200,000 patients.

The project was handed over at a ceremony which was attended by UNHCR and government officials.

Under the project – implemented through the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) platform – UNHCR provided medical and IT equipment and carried out the renovation of sanitary facilities at major public hospitals which will benefit both Afghan refugees and Pakistanis.

Representative of UNHCR in Pakistan Indrika Ratwatte handing over the health project to Secretary Health Asmatullah Kakar. (C) UNHCR/H.Karim

Medical equipment were provided to Bolan Medical Complex and Sandeman hospital, while IT equipment were given to Fatima Jinah General and Chest Hospital and Provincial AIDS Control Programme.

Around 72,000 mothers and 81,600 new born babies will benefit from the upgraded health services. This is the first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Balochistan. About 1,200 cardiology patients, around 144,000 trauma patients, 59,760 children will benefit in Bolan Medical Complex in Quetta, 36,000 will benefit from trollies and wheel chairs.

Asmatullah Kakar, the provincial health secretary said better health facilities would reduce mortality and morbidity rate. The health secretary appreciated the three-day learning session conducted by UNHCR for the staff and students in order to enhance their capacities to provide improved and quality healthcare services.

Speaking at the occasion, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan Indrika Ratwatte appreciated the generosity of the government and people of Pakistan for hosting millions of refugees for nearly four decades saying UNHCR understands the challenges of host countries. He thanked the people of Denmark and Japan for their generosity by providing funds for this programme. Since its start in 2009 to date, some 3,500 RAHA projects have been implemented across Pakistan in the sectors of health, education, infrastructure, livelihoods, water and sanitation.

UNHCR Deputy Representative Iain Hall, head of UNHCR Sub-office Quetta, Marin Din Kajdomcaj, Commissioner Afghan Refugees Brig. (R) Masud Ahmed, Afghan Council General Wajeedullah Momand and other officials also attended the ceremony.