Sindh govt takes proactive measures to distribute contraceptives to the public, alongside promoting alternative medical methods for family planning
By our correspondent
KARACHI: In a landmark step towards advancing maternal health, Sindh’s Health Minister, Dr. Azra Pechuho, inaugurated a new Family Planning Skills Lab at Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, aimed at enhancing awareness and accessibility to family planning resources. During the launch event, Dr. Pechuho highlighted the critical need for spacing between births, emphasizing that maternal and child health hinges on such practices. She pointed out that a lack of awareness and acceptance around family planning often leads to severe health consequences for mothers, with some cases even resulting in tragic maternal mortality.
Dr. Pechuho acknowledged that societal norms discourage birth spacing, which adversely impacts maternal health. In response, the government has taken proactive measures to distribute contraceptives to the public, alongside promoting alternative medical methods for family planning. These initiatives, she said, are designed to empower families with choices that safeguard the well-being of mothers and children alike.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sindh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Family Planning Skills Lab at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Wednesday. Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and USAID Mission Director Kate Somvongsiri led the event, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing healthcare access and quality within the province.
“This Skills Lab empowers our healthcare providers with the essential skills they need to meet the family planning needs of communities across Sindh,” Dr. Pechuho remarked, thanking USAID for its ongoing support. She highlighted the critical role that family planning plays in improving overall health outcomes and fostering sustainable development within the province.
USAID Mission Director Somvongsiri emphasized the importance of this collaboration in promoting maternal and child health while supporting informed family planning decisions. “The opening of this Skills Lab at JPMC exemplifies our joint mission to expand high-quality healthcare access, especially for women and vulnerable communities,” Somvongsiri said, acknowledging the Population Welfare Department and Sindh Government’s efforts in advancing reproductive healthcare.
The Family Planning Skills Lab, part of the Reproductive Health Services-A (RHS-A) Master Training Center at JPMC, is designed to offer specialized training for healthcare providers. Equipped with the latest technology, it aims to enhance family planning services across Sindh. This facility stands as the latest milestone in USAID’s extensive partnership with JPMC, reflecting a sustained investment in Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In a separate statement on the recent controversy surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), Dr. Pechuho called for universities to conduct their own entry examinations. She noted the logistical challenges and potential pitfalls of a single, large-scale test, advocating for institution-specific exams as a way to maintain fairness and uphold merit-based admissions.
The remarks come in light of recent court decisions to nullify the latest MDCAT examination due to confirmed instances of malpractice. The judiciary has mandated a re-administration of the test, insisting on strict adherence to merit criteria to restore public confidence in the admissions process.
