Representatives from the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Punjab Ministry of Health inaugurated 24-hour-a-day emergency care services and ambulance transport at the Rural Health Center (RHC) Mandra.
Improved care and access at the Mandra center will meet urgent health care needs of pregnant women, mothers and new-borns, significantly, reducing the risk of death during pregnancy and delivery.
The Rural Health Center Mandra is the first of 31 hospitals and rural health centers in 10 districts to offer expanded emergency care and access under the Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and New-borns (Paiman).
USAID and the Ministry of Health co-ordinate Paiman. John Snow Incorporated - a public health company, implements the programme in association with the provincial and district governments and local partners.
Punjab Provincial Minister for Health Dr Tahir Ali Javed, USAID Mission Director in Pakistan Jonathan Addleton and district and local officials attended the inauguration ceremony in Mandra.
Dr Tahir Javed said, "The Government of Punjab is committed to the health and well-being of mothers and new-borns, especially, in the rural areas. We appreciate the efforts of Paiman to improve emergency medical care and involve the whole community in ensuring the health of mothers and new-borns."
Addleton added, "This is a good example of how USAID and Pakistani districts are working together to make a difference."