ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: The construction of two prototype earthquake resistant and barrier free basic health units (BHUs) in Azad Kashmir and NWFP would be completed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) by the end of November.

This was stated by Hiroshi Imai, architect earthquake resistant design from Jica headquarters at a seminar here.

The two BHUs are being constructed in Attar Shisha (NWFP) and Langarpura (AJK). The BHUs would have necessary facilities like space for procedures, examination, dispensary, EPI, ward, family planning, training room (NWFP), TB centre and laboratory (AJK).

Pakistan had requested the Japanese government in December 2005 for technical cooperation on how to construct seismic resistant and barrier free health facilities. Mr Imai said the need for construction of seismic resistant healthcare facilities became much more evident after the October 2005 earthquake in which a large number of BHUs and RHCs were damaged beyond repair.