Peshawar
In an effort to improve public health services, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency rehabilitated and enhanced 11 Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Strategic investments have been made in the largest refugee-hosting districts under the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) programme.
In Kohat district, this project worth 70 Million rupees would benefit thousands of patients – Pakistanis and Afghan refugees.
The 11 health facilities have been provided with additional labour rooms, medical equipment, furniture as well as recovery rooms, waiting areas, latrines and boundary walls.
As part of the UNHCR’s Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy, which promotes the transition to clean, renewable energy in refugee settlements and hosting areas, UNHCR also installed solar panels to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to maternity wards.
Training of paramedical staff was also provided. A ceremony held in Kohat district on Monday to inaugurate these facilities.
The Head of UNHCR’s Sub-Office in Peshawar, Mr. Bernard Inkoom, the Additional Secretary, Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Fazal Akbar, and the Additional Director General, Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Ikramullah Khan, Officials from the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and district health authorities were also present.
“The government has very limited resources, but with UNHCR’s support, we are strengthening our public health system, particularly in densely populated areas.
Health is important for everyone – refugees and the communities hosting them. With the strong and ongoing cooperation between UNHCR and Department of Health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we will overcome challenges posed by Pandemic in health sector,” said the Additional Secretary, Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Fazal Akbar. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Inkoom highlighted how investments into the public health sector aimed to reduce the burden in the Government of Pakistan, it’s absorption capacity and the quality of Health Services provided.
“These health facilities aim to promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that health care continues to be generously provided to all people, regardless of nationality or status.”
“I am thankful to all stakeholders and International community who joined hands with UNHCR since the pandemic landed in Pakistan”.
UNHCR has been working hand in hand with the Government of Pakistan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to contribute to the overall effort to minimize the spread and impact until the pandemic is over” Mr. Inkoom noted.
Additional Director General Health Department of KP, Mr. IkramUllah, appreciated the work of UNHCR for undertaking life-saving initiative and equipping these facilities to provide mother and child healthcare service on 24/7 basis.
He expressed his gratitude to UNHCR for their continued support to the Government’s primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions where a significant number of Afghan patients are also receiving the services.
Speaking on the occasion, District Health officer, Mr. Sameen Shah said; “Its Dream come true, the assistance provided by UNHCR would support services in Kohat to help the most disadvantaged mothers, newborns and children.—APP
