QUETTA, Jan 18: The Balochistan government and the World Health Organization signed an accord on Friday under which a two-year health project would be launched in the province for providing basic health facilities to the women and children.

The accord was signed by Balochistan Health Secretary Arshad Bhatti and WHO representative in Pakistan Dr Khalif Bile Mohammad. Other signatories to the accord include Leopoldo Principe, representative of International Federation of Red Cross, and Dr Porninma Dutt of Plan International.

Provincial Health Minister Agha Abdul Zahir was present on the occasion.

The basic aim of the project is to reduce the burden on the province in the health sector due to new influx of the Afghan refugees for which WHO and other organizations would provide $427,050.

The International Federation of Red Cross would provide 50 per cent funds for the project while the remaining 50 per cent share would be extended by the WHO, Plan International, an NGO, and the Balochistan government.

Health facilities would be provided to the Afghan refugees and local population while Civil Hospital Chaman would have a new Operation Theatre and residential facilities.