Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced a notable reduction in infant mortality in the province to 2.9 percent, compared to the national average of 5.4 percent, attributing this achievement to a successful partnership between the Sindh government and the ChildLife Foundation.
“The paediatric mortality rate in ChildLife-operated emergency rooms is just 1.2%, matching the standards of top private hospitals,” he said at a ceremony celebrating advancements in pediatric healthcare on Monday.
The event also marked the inauguration of Pakistan’s first public sector Level-5 paediatric safe care facility at Sindh Government Hospital, with Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari serving as the chief guest.
The collaboration has seen over a million children treated annually in modernized emergency rooms across nine teaching hospitals in Sindh, including facilities in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Larkana. These centers provide round-the-clock, free emergency care accessible within 30 minutes to all children in the province.
Highlighting the province-wide telemedicine network, the Chief Minister said it operates across all 105 tehsils, providing 24/7 access to expert pediatric consultations even in remote areas. Transparency remains a cornerstone, with all funds audited by A.F. Ferguson to ensure accountability. Murad Ali Shah shared that Sindh’s efforts have received international acclaim.
The Children’s Emergency Room at Civil Hospital Karachi became the first public sector facility in Pakistan to achieve Level-5 SafeCare Certification. Additionally, Harvard Business School has recognized the initiative as a model for national development. Looking ahead, the Sindh government plans to cut child mortality by an additional 50% by 2029.
This includes establishing 30 urgent care centers with 10-25 bed emergency rooms in every district of Sindh and rolling out programs such as “Helping Babies Breathe” and postpartum family planning in over 100 hospitals. Commending the dedication of healthcare professionals, the Chief Minister emphasized that their efforts often surpass those of private hospitals despite limited resources. Inviting stakeholders to join this mission, he stated, “We are building a healthcare system that saves lives and sets an example for the rest of Pakistan.
Together, let us work toward a healthier, stronger, and brighter Sindh.” During the ceremony, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with the Chief Minister, visited the Telemedicine control room and received a briefing on its operations, showcasing the province’s commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare transformation.
