During a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Murad Ali Shah reviewed key performance indicators of the health department and set global standard targets for better healthcare services, particularly for women and children.
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Sindh Ombudsman Sohail Rajput, Principal Secretary to the CM Agha Wasif, Planning & Development Chairman Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, and Population Secretary Hafeez Abbasi. Several key initiatives were discussed and approved, including:
Expanding Community Outreach & Routine Immunization
The Sindh government currently has a routine immunization coverage of 69%. To achieve the target of 95% by 2025-26, the government plans to recruit 5,500 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs). These workers will be provided with 5,250 medical kits and IT equipment, including GPS-tracked mobile phones.
Additionally, 3,500 vaccinators and technical staff, including cold chain engineers and software engineers, will be recruited. This initiative will provide 21,084 equipment units, including temperature monitoring devices, fridge tags, mobile phones, SIM cards, and motorcycles.
A major component of the plan is introducing the HPV vaccine, with a target of vaccinating 2.8 million individuals by 2028-29. The cold chain and waste management system will be strengthened, including the solarization of 35 divisional centers.
Enhancing Nutrition Services (2025-29)
The Chief Minister has approved the establishment of 11 additional Nutrition Stabilization Centers (NSCs) and 714 new Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) sites by 2025-26. This initiative aims to treat 1.24 million malnourished children under five years of age.
Nutrition services will include Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), F-75, and F-100 supplements, while operational support will be extended to 17 stabilization centers.
Preventive measures will include the provision of deworming medicines, iron and folic acid supplements, and breastfeeding counseling for mothers and adolescent girls. Over the next 30 months, 1,440 awareness sessions will be conducted, with a target of 360 sessions in 2025-26.
Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
To tackle the rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other NCDs, the Sindh government will establish screening units at secondary-level healthcare facilities. Early detection services will be expanded to Basic Health Units (BHUs), with 350 screening facilities planned for 2025-26.
This initiative includes eight Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions and 158 district-level training programs. Additionally, 1,440 screening camps will be organized across Sindh by 2028-29.
Improving Governance & Surveillance
A robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system will be introduced, increasing the number of annual health facility inspections to 48,000. A live dashboard will be set up in 40 districts for real-time data tracking. The rollout of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) through DHIS-2 will improve data-driven decision-making, with 900 IT devices being procured for timely reporting.
Healthcare Facility Maintenance & Infrastructure Development
The CM has approved a large-scale Maintenance & Repair (M&R) project, covering tertiary, secondary, and primary-level hospitals. This includes the renovation of 109 tertiary hospitals, 91 secondary hospitals, and 572 primary health units, with 122 key facilities scheduled for maintenance in 2025-26.
Murad Ali Shah has also approved the construction of two new medical and surgical towers at Civil Hospital Karachi.
Strengthening & Expanding the Nursing Cadre
To address the shortage of nursing professionals, the CM has approved the introduction of evening shifts in 20 nursing colleges, along with the creation of 443 new teaching and non-teaching positions. A stipend program for 1,125 BS Nursing students has also been approved.
Infrastructure development will include the establishment of 10 new science labs, renovation of 10 nursing colleges, and procurement of 20 vehicles for student transport and community outreach programs.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare services in Sindh by ensuring universal health coverage, strengthening community-based health interventions, and modernizing governance mechanisms.
These initiatives aim to build a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system in the province, leading to improved health outcomes, particularly for children and women.
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