KARACHI, Feb 21: A multinational contribution – a 12-bed dispensary and a maternity health facility at Baba Island – the first ever on any of the six islands off Karachi coast, provides a reason to celebrate to everybody who is concerned about the high maternal and child mortality rate, as it will go a long way to improve mother and child health in these neglected areas.

The health facility with an operation theatre, labour room, incubator room, ventilator, male and female wards would gradually turn into a full-fledged hospital. Along with a dispensary, it has the facilities for ultrasound, X-ray and blood tests. The city government had provided the land free of cost for the hospital.

Financed and to be managed by Merck Marker, the health facility would provide 24-hour free emergency service. The Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences Trust will ensure availability of doctors. The hospital was inaugurated at a ceremony organised at the island located one kilometre away from Keamari boat basin.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, the family head of the German Merck, said: “With the opening of this hospital, a very essential healthcare facility has been brought to the doorstep of islanders who had to travel long distances for maternal and other emergencies. He also showed willingness to support the people in other welfare projects like supply of fresh water.

Dr Yousuf, a former councillor of the area, said that death of pregnant women on their way to port was common phenomena for the islanders.

The project would definitely alleviate their sufferings and people from other islands would come to this place instead of going to the city, he said.

Shaikh Moinuddin, Chairman Board of Trustees, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, said the hospital had started functioning four months ago and 600 patients had reported at the OPD to date.—Our Reporter