QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has expressed concern over the spread of waterborne diseases in flood hit areas of the province, calling it “a major challenge for the government”.

In a meeting with health officials and other authorities concerned on Sunday, the chief minister directed the health secretary to start a special vaccination campaign to prevent epidemics in such areas.

Mr Bizenjo also ordered the implementation of maternal and newborn health and immunisation programs in flood-affected areas.

Additional lady doctors and lady health workers should be appointed in hospitals and health centres in these areas, he said.

He said the government will provide all possible help and resources needed to deal with this challenge.

Rescue and relief operations

Meanwhile, rescue and relief operations in five districts areas of Nasirabad division continued as a vast area was still under water, said a statement by Inter-service Public Relations (ISPR) Pakistan Army, Frontier Constabulary Balochistan and Provincial Disaster Management Authority were involved in relief and rescue operations in Nasirabad, Jafferabad, Sohbatpur, Jhal Magsi and Kachhi, the statement added.

Relief camps have been established in Jhal Magsi, Rabi, Hub, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Noshki, Uthal and Bela.

During the last 24 hours, 100 medical camps were organised by the army, FC Balochistan and PDMA where 21,225 patients were provided free medical care and medicines, said the statement, adding that a veterinary camp was also organised in Chithar.

The statement added that N-10, N-40, N-70, N-85 highways were completely opened for traffic, while N-50 and N-65 highways were partially opened.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2022