Sindh Minister for Health Dr Sagheer Ahmed said on Thursday that steps were being taken to further strengthen health facilities throughout the province, especially in flag areas of Sindh, with the help of donor friends.
He said this at the MoU signing ceremony of Jacobabad institute of Medical Sciences (JIMC) between the Sindh government and USAID here on Thursday.
The MoU was signed by Secretary Health Aftab Ahmed Khatri and USAID Deputy Mission Director Leon Waskin.
Sagheer Ahmed said that USAID would provide US $ 10 million for the project which is expected to be completed in two years. The Sindh government would also provide Rs 478 million for residential complex for doctors, para-medical and other staff, he said, adding that Sindh government would also bear recurring cost of the hospital.
Dr Ahmed pointed out that a bill for JIMC would soon be tabled in Sindh Assembly to provide legal cover to the institute. He lauded the services of USAID in provision of health care facilities to the masses of the province, especially for the health care of mothers and children. He said the 133 bed hospital would also have solar system and generator backup facilities so as to keep it running in case of any load shedding.
He also highlighted the services of Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Malik Israr Hussain in this regard and hoped the construction work would start soon.
Additional Chief Secretary Malik Israr Hussain, Secretary Development Rehana Ghulam Ali, Chief Economist Iqbal Memon, officers of health and P&D departments were also present on the occasion.
