JACOBABAD: US Ambassador Richard Olson, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Director Jock Conly, and the US Consul General in Karachi Michael Dodman, joined by Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Sagheer Ahmed and Sindh Minister for Rehabilitation Muzaffar Shujra, attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to officially initiate construction of the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences, a state-of-the-art hospital.
According to a US embassy statement, the USAID is investing $10 million to build the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences and expand access to quality health care services for the residents of Jacobabad, Sindh, and Balochistan.
“The United States is committed to working with the Government of Pakistan to carry out innovative health projects, which strengthen the health care system in Pakistan. We are delivering on that commitment today by launching construction of the new Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences. This hospital will help the residents of Jacobabad, Sindh, and Balochistan lead healthier lives and reach their full potential by significantly expanding their access to high quality health care services,” said Ambassador Olson.
The Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences will provide 133 beds and offer outpatient treatment, emergency, and diagnostics facilities as well as specialized services in its Mother and Childhood Center, Intensive Care Units, and surgical facilities.
The hospital’s electrical power system is powered by solar energy with standby generators to ensure that the life-saving work performed by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals is not disrupted.
This groundbreaking ceremony was part of Ambassador Olson’s two-day visit to Northern Sindh. During his visit, Ambassador Olson is meeting with student, civil society, business, media, and political leaders in Northern Sindh.
DND