Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo on Sunday directed the health department to launch a vaccination campaign to control epidemics in flood-affected areas of the province. The CM issued the directives for launching the vaccination campaign after reports of outbreaks of cholera and diarrhea.
Mr. Bizenjo directed an effective implementation of maternal and newborn health and fertility programs in affected areas to cope with the situation. Lady health workers, doctors, and visitors should ensure their presence in the affected areas.
Also Read: Cholera outbreak in Zhob affects over 1500 people
Cholera and diarrhea claim human lives
Cholera and diarrhea have claimed precious human lives in Dera Bugti, Barkhan, Dukki, Pishin, Zhob, and other parts of the province severely hit by floods and torrential rains. The provincial government has placed all government-run hospitals on high alert to tackle any emergency situation.
Also Read: Gastro claims lives of children in Pishin, dozens infected in Kohlu
The CM asked the health department to make sure the appointment of lady medical officers in the floods-affected areas of the province. “The health of women and children is a major challenge after floods”, Mr. Bizenjo said.
Mr. Bizenjo directed the nutrition cell to step up efforts to provide required food to pregnant women and children in various parts of the province.
Also Read: Floods cause over Rs.200bn financial losses: CM Balochistan
Thousands of pregnant women in urgent need of healthcare
Thousands of pregnant women are in urgent need of healthcare in flood-affected parts of Balochistan. The entire Naseerabad division is flooded and thousands of people are displaced because of raging floods.
The CM has asked the health department to give a special focus to the division because most of its population has been displaced by raging floods. A large number of people have taken refuge on the highway linking Balochistan with Sind province at Dera Murad Jamali and Dera Allah Yar.
Still, a large number of flood affectees are without any shelter despite the government’s repeated claims and announcements.
