Asthma Resort at Khewra Salt mines

A 20-bed Allergological Asthma Resort, built at a cost of Rs 10 million at the famous Khewra salt mines, was inaugurated here on March 26 for treatment of Asthma patients. Managing Director, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar (retd) inaugurated the resort.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the asthma resort was completed as a pilot project within the resources of the Corporation, while PSO, PARCO, OGDCL, SNGPL, Asia Petroleum also donated generously to make it a reality.
Brigadier Khokhar informed that presently the resort has a capacity to accommodate 20 patients but later it would accommodate 100 patients. The Managing Director said that after turning the salt mines into a tourist resort, thousands of local and foreign tourists visit here every year.
This situation has not only enhanced the importance of historical salt mines but also generated economic opportunities for the locals.
Chief Medical Officer, PMDC, Dr M. Ashraf Mirza informed the audience that this is a unique medical centre and first of its type in the country where the asthma patients will be treated by using natural atmosphere of the salt mines. He said the asthma patient would be kept 6 to 8 hours in the clinic built inside the mine.
The patient inhale natural salt particles which open narrow veins of respiratory system and after spending about 120 hours, the patient recovers from asthma disease, he added.
He informed that so far one local and two foreigners have been treated by this natural method.
Dr Mirza said that two asthma clinics in Ukraine and Poland salt mines are already providing successful treatment to asthma patients.
In his welcome address, Manager, Salt, Chaudhry Zafarullah Khan said that Khewra tourist resort has already attracted thousands of tourists from inside and outside the country. He said the asthma resort would provide medical treatment to asthma patients from across the country.
"The sale and production of salt has increased manifold while it is now exporting salt to several countries".
Later, students of PMDC Model School presented colourful programme and enthralled the audience with national and folk songs and cultural dances.