US Ambassador Cameron Munter performed the groundbreaking of the three-storied, sixty-bed gynea hospital and training centre for medical students at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Friday
The hospital and training centre are being constructed by USAID, the US federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid.
The ambassador’s wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt, US Consul General in Karachi William Martin, Sindh Health Secretary Rizwan Ahmed, USAID Health Director Shonda Steimer and acting public affairs officer Andie De Arment were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Munter said that US has a long history of cooperation with the JPMC. “This began in 1959 when we offered medical cooperation for education programme to produce postgraduates in medical fields,” he added.
He said that under the programme, the Indiana University opened Pakistan’s first institution for postgraduate medical education. He said that the JPMC now trains the majority of healthcare personnel in Pakistan.
“We are honoured to be a part of the JPMC’s history which has done so much for the people of Sindh and Pakistan. We are very proud of that history and we want that history to become part of what we do in the future,” he noted.
“This is a special occasion for us and we are proud to be present at the launching of a new hospital and training centre for students costing four million dollars. Today’s inauguration marks the milestone for the US commitment to improving healthcare throughout the country for all Pakistanis.”
He recalled that in 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged four million dollars to construct the 60-bed hospital and training center for 150 medical students each year.
The facility will have ultrasound and medical department, pharmacy, surgical wards, a dedicated fistula ward, seminar hall and library.
The ambassador said that US is focusing on the most vulnerable in Pakistan, women and children, as this country has the fifth highest number of maternal deaths in the world and the complications in pregnancy and child birth are the leading causes. “Together we can and we will improve this situation,” he added.
He noted that healthy babies and mothers are the cornerstone of a strong society. “That’s what America wants to see in Pakistan.”
Munter said that this hospital will improve the quality of emergency obstetric care for estimated 15,000 women and new born every year. The centre will have a ward for women suffering from obstetric fistula, the most devastating and serious child birth injuries.
Munter said that he and his wife are thrilled to witness to start of this project and its completion.
Provincial Health Secretary Rizwan Ahmed thanked the US government for the continued support in improving healthcare facilities in Pakistan. “This shows the commitment of US government to Pakistan and its people.”
Calls on Sindh governor: US Ambassador Cameron Munter called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at the Governor’s House on Friday. He was accompanied by US Consul General in Karachi William Martin
During the meeting, the governor told the ambassador that the present coalition government has produced positive results and will continue to play its role in maintaining a pleasant atmosphere in the province in the future.
The governor noted that the country can start its journey on the road to growth and prosperity by improving law and order and maintaining political stability in the province.
“The dynamics of Sindh, especially Karachi, are different from other provinces and we need to adopt a different line of action keeping in view the different ground realities,” he added. He noted that issues of urban and rural areas are different and they should be tackled differently and their mandate should be respected.
Munter appreciated the decision of President Asif Ali Zardari and Muttahida Qaumi movement chief Altaf Hussain to reinstate Dr Ebad as the Governor, because “it was significant for the country’s stability”.
Praises police sacrifices in war against terrorism: US Ambassador Cameron Munter visited the CID building blast site on Friday to show solidarity with the martyrs and injured police personnel and condole with bereaved families.
He was accompanied by his spouse Dr Marilyn Wyatt, US Consul General William Martin and acting public affairs officer Andie De Arment.
On his arrival, he was received by Sindh Inspector General of Police Wajid Ali Durrani and senior police officials. He went to the site and laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial inside the CID building and observed a one-minute silence as a symbol of respect. He also met with the family members of deceased police officials and also inquired about the health of police jawans injured in the November 11, 2010 blast.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the US will continue to support the police and other law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Pakistan in the war against terrorism. “The CID officials who died in the blast, have given their lives to further the cause of peace and to secure future for their families and for the citizens of Karachi, Pakistan and for the world,” he noted.
“We recognise the accomplishments of the CID and all branches of Sindh police in the fight against violent extremism. Police are on the front line and fighting extremism and we honour their bravery and their sacrifices”, he added.
