SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD: The World Bank has lauded Sindh’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and quality, especially in rural regions, following a visit to a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Shaheed Benazirabad.
The visit, led by Md Ana Bejirede, Managing Director for Operations, and Naji Bin Yamin, Country Director, included Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. They assessed the services and infrastructure at BHU Jam Sahib, engaging with medical staff and patients.
Chief Minister Shah and the World Bank team toured BHU Jam Sahib, seeking insights into the healthcare services provided. They interacted with health workers and patients to understand the facility’s operations.
Minister of Health and CEO of PPHI, Javed Jageerani, briefed the delegation on the BHU’s performance. The briefing highlighted that BHU Jam Sahib serves about 20,310 patients monthly, with the Outpatient Department seeing 5,471 patients each month, surpassing targets by 162 percent. Family planning services exceeded goals by 125 percent, and contraceptive services achieved 71 percent of their target. Maternity services reached 95 percent of their goals, while antenatal care, including first trimester check-ups, exceeded expectations with 101 percent achievement.
The BHU offers essential pregnancy-related tests, nutritional advice, iron deficiency management, immunizations, and regular screenings for complications. Pregnancy reassessment showed a 123 percent average performance.
Nutritional screening at UFIO targeted 1,140 individuals to address malnutrition and ensure timely treatment. A concerning 29 children were identified with severe malnutrition, a figure that exceeded expectations. Despite this, the BHU’s efforts to combat malnutrition slightly surpassed targets by one percent.
Chief Minister Shah expressed satisfaction with the services and facilities across various departments. The World Bank delegation conducted a thorough assessment of the BHU’s infrastructure, finding it generally satisfactory. They noted the good condition of the building, the functional drinking water supply, and electricity systems. The solar power system, CCTV surveillance, and biometric attendance were operational.
Functional toilets for both staff and the public, along with mobile and internet connectivity, were acknowledged as crucial.
The World Bank delegation found the quality of human resources and basic facilities to be of a good standard. BHU Shaheed Benazirabad was reported to have active and usable facilities, positioning it as a reliable healthcare provider for the local community.
Chief Minister Shah praised the BHU as an excellent medical institution providing quality health services. He noted the presence of modern medical equipment and experienced staff, affirming BHU Shaheed Benazirabad’s role as an effective healthcare institution serving the community’s needs.