KARACHI, Aug 8: Sindh Minister for Population Welfare Imtiaz A. Sheikh has said that UNFPA has donated medicines worth Rs200,000 for the rain and flood affected people of the province.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, he said the Sindh Population Department, which had set up seven camps in the province had received from the UNFPA four trucks loaded with medicines meant for minor ailments like water-borne diseases, fever, etc.

The medicines are being sent to the camps in Badin, Thatta, Thar, Mithi and Dadu district besides those in different areas of Karachi.

The minister mentioned that para-medical staff and doctors, associated with the department, had been deputed at the camps to provide emergency health cover round the clock.

Mr Sheikh thanked Dr Oliver Brussier, the UNFPA’s Country Representative in Pakistan, and other officials of the agency for extending the much needed support.

He was also expressed his gratitude over President Musharraf and Prime Minister Jamali’s gestures to exempt the people of rain and flood affected areas from Ushr and Abiana and to grant relaxation in the repayment of agriculture loans obtained by farmers of these areas.

Replying to a question, he said immediate relief work was needed in Dadu and Thatta districts. He said that his party, the Sindh Democratic Alliance had donated Rs300,000 for the procurement of relief goods.

The minister pointed out that as many as 75,000 people of Badin, Thatta and Dadu districts were in dire need of assistance. He said that a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to ensure regular monitoring of the relief distribution work in the areas.

At the moment, he said, maximum attention was being paid to relief work and due consideration was being extended to the rehabilitation of the affected people.—APP