CM claims 50% decline in child mortality rate
Plastic surgeries saving babies born with cleft lip and palate, people suffering burns.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Thursday that Sindh has achieved over 50 per cent reduction in child mortality rate. This moment of triumph, according to him, is a testament to his administration’s relentless efforts to ensure that every child in the province receives urgent medical care within a mere 30 minutes.
Speaking at a ceremony held to celebrate the expansion of ChildLife Foundation’s telemedicine network, the CM emphasised his government’s unwavering commitment to granting every child the fundamental right to high-quality healthcare.
Through a public-private partnership model, Sindh has established nine state-of-the-art emergency rooms and an extensive network of 106 telemedicine satellite centres in collaboration with ChildLife. This synergistic approach has yielded outstanding results, as highlighted in the UNICEF supported MICS survey of 2021, revealing an extraordinary drop in child mortality rates from 104 to 46 per 1,000 live births over a five-year span.
Radiating admiration for ChildLife Foundation’s innovative spirit, CM Shah praised their adept use of partnerships to amplify their impact. Back in 2018, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Sindh an impressive 6th in Asia for its collaborative ventures, underscoring the province’s deep-rooted dedication to child health.
The collaborative alliance between ChildLife Foundation and the Sindh government has revolutionized pediatric healthcare services across the province. Their joint endeavour has expanded the reach of healthcare services to every nook and corner of Sindh, significantly uplifting the lives of children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
ChildLife Chairman Iqbal Adamjee hailed the continued support of the Sindh government and Health Department, affirming the foundation’s commitment to broaden its horizons and extend comprehensive care to more communities than ever before.
Vice Chairman Sohail Tabba underscored the pivotal role played by the Telemedicine Satellite Centres in bridging the healthcare gap for underserved areas. These centers have become lifelines, connecting children in need with expert doctors through innovative telemedicine technology, ensuring timely and accurate treatment recommendations, while relieving the burden of travel costs for those with limited means.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2023.