Sindh government has decided to establish six infectious diseases hospitals, one each at the divisional headquarter in the province.

The decision was taken in a meeting held here with Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah in the chair on Thursday. Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, Planning & Development Board Chairman Muhammad Waseem, Finance Secretary Hassan Naqvi, Health Secretary Zahid Abbasi, Secretary Works & Services Imran Atta Soomro and other officers attended the meeting.

Chief Secretary told that it would cost Rs 10 billion to establish 400-bed infectious diseases hospital in Karachi, and 200-bed infectious diseases hospital each in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpur Khas and Shaheed Benazirabad.

He directed all the divisional commissioners to identify the land for establishing the infectious diseases hospitals at the divisional headquarter cities.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho told that 400-bed Infectious Diseases Hospital in Karachi would shortly be made functional and an institution would also be setup for training of paramedics.