Deaths in thar: No drought-like situation: food minister

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has denied claims of ‘a drought-like situation in Tharparkar’ as well as scarcity of medical staff at health facilities.

Provincial food minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the [Sindh] government was continuously working for betterment of the people of Tharparkar. “Therefore, there is no food insecurity or drought like situation.”

Addressing a press conference at Pakistan Peoples Party’s media cell on Sunday along with chief minister’s adviser on information Maula Bux Chandio, Senator Saeed Ghani, lawmakers Dr Sikandar Shoro and Lal Chand Ukrani, Shah said reasons behind the deaths of children included late arrival at health facilities and lack of basic knowledge. The minister claimed Civil Hospital Mithi has the best health facilities, better than those in other districts’ hospitals.  Shah said the recently constituted committee has visited Tharparkar and discussed the situation with district officials and elected representatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2016.