USAID Provides Health Care Close to Home

Siran and Konch Valleys - Balancing short-term needs with sustainable long-term development, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping stretch and strengthen health care services in Pakistan’s earthquake-affected region.

With help from USAID, many can now access free health care in their home areas. Sai Mohammed of Jambori village is one who has benefited. He suffers from a hacking cough. Before the October 8 earthquake, Mohammed would visit a doctor at the only health care facility available to him in a remote part of the district. But the quake destroyed even that facility, as well as those in many other districts. Like most of his neighbors, Mohammed’s only remaining option was to take a bus to a private hospital, a day trip that would cost him at least 300 rupees ($5.00 US).

USAID has set up four basic health units in Siran and Konch Valleys to provide primary health care and referrals to specialized hospitals. The number of people seeking medical attention has doubled since before the earthquake, boosted by the accessibility of the health care locations and 24-hour staff availability. The staff includes 16 male and female doctors and 12 male paramedics. Sixteen (16) female nurses, or lady health workers, reach out to surrounding communities to create awareness of health services and provide hygiene training. Ambulance services with stretchers, oxygen delivery and other medical supplies transport patients to units or to specialized health facilities.

USAID is also beginning construction this year of health care facilities including a secondary hospital, four rural health centers and 20 basic health units. USAID will also train health care providers, administrators and managers to ensure that all new health care facilities have sufficient and fully trained staff.