Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has said that the best way to reduce maternal mortality is to link communities with health care facilities and deliver quality care. If a mother dies, the chid goes through the life-time hardship, she said.
Dr Pechuho was speaking at the launch of Dr Aijaz Fatima Women & Children Centre (AFWCC), a collaborative initiative by Ziauddin University and Dr Ziauddin Hospital, on Monday. The launch was held on the 3rd death anniversary of Dr Aijaz Fatima, the founder of Dr Ziauddin Hospital and a renowned gynaecologist and a pioneering figure in the medical community.
“In the loving memory of our people who have delivered their services to the nation, they should be remembered by establishing health care facilities or centres under their names,” said the health minister in her key note address as the chief guest at the event.
“The AFWCC is an adventure that holds immense promise. Creating centers for maternal and child care is crucial, and I strongly advocate establishing these facilities in the most remote, underprivileged, and deserving areas,” she said. “These communities are in dire need of such facilities that genuinely serve the people, particularly in the most underprivileged and underserved areas in the country.”
Dr Aijaz Fatima Women & Children Centre outlines a strategic direction focusing on advance research with the provision of quality care and accessible treatment to women and children.
The AFWCC includes the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Family Medicine, Public Health, ORIC, Nursing & Midwifery, Nutrition, Clinical Psychology, Research, and Molecular Medicine. Together, they will ensure that the highest standards of care and research are maintained.
In her welcome address, pro-chancellor of Ziauddin University Dr Nida Hussain said, “The establishment of Dr Aijaz Fatima Women & Children Centre marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide high-quality healthcare and advance research in maternal and child health care. This centre is not just a facility; it is a testament to our commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the women and children.”
During his keynote address, Dr Syed Aziz Rab, CEO of Greenstar Social Marketing, drew attention of the high-ups and other audience by mentioning the facts that each year, approximately 12,000-14,000 women in the country lose their lives due to complications related to unwanted pregnancies and pregnancy-related issues.
Dr Rab highlighted Greenstar Social Marketing's commitment to address this issue by providing training to 23,000 service providers. He expressed his organisation's enthusiasm in partnering with Ziauddin University and AFWCC to further expand these efforts.
Dr Muhammad Inayatullah Khan, Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University, in his concluding remarks emphasised Ziauddin University's commitment to provide specialised health care for women and children.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2024.
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