BackThe Ombudsman Sindh Mr. Asad Ashraf Malik organized a seminar on “Challenges of Health Care System in Sindh – Role of Provincial Ombudsman Sindh” which focused on the existing health facilities, identifying gaps and devising innovative strategies for improved service delivery, effective polio immunization campaign in Sindh Province.
The Seminar was presided over by the Hon’ble Ombudsman Sindh and was also attended by the legislators, NGOs, members of Civil Society, Women & Children Organizations, General Public and Provincial Health authorities. The Seminar was held on 14th September 2017 at Mirpurkhas an important developing city of Sindh.Speakers pointed out that corruption was afflicting health sector and this situation was disastrous, a matter of concern demanding immediate remedial measures. It was reported that numbers of children died of malnutrition due to lack of health facilities in district Tharparkar. That was an alarming situation and required urgent action. Due to procurement of spurious medicines serious consequence were being faced by the people. Members of civil society emphasized that no one should be allowed to play with the people’s life. Health facilities provided by the Government were functioning but required up-gradation and improvement by ensuring regular attendance of doctors & paramedics, adequate supply of medicines and vaccine for children.
Most of the stakeholders stated that Medical facilities suffered due to absenteeism of doctors and paramedics, inadequate supply of medicines, dysfunctionalX-rays machines, ultrasound and ECGs, non-viability of polio vaccine and malnutrition.The stakeholders recommended that defiance’s pointed out by the civil society should be conveyed to the Health Department for immediate remedial measures.
In the concluding remarks the Honourable Ombudsman Sindh emphasized the role of civil society and specially women was crucial for ensuring improvement in local Health facilities. He suggested that the community should form local committees in coordination with health authorities to jointly oversee the working of health outlets. He also stressed to adopt preventive measures and creating healthy environments.
Source: Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Pakistan
