US support boosts health care in Sindh and KP: USAID official

Millions of Pakistanis who once faced immense challenges accessing medical care have benefited from key health infrastructure projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). From Karachi to Jacobabad, USAID has invested in modernizing hospitals and establishing lifesaving facilities, significantly improving healthcare access for underserved communities, organization officials said on Friday.

Sharing details of USAID’s efforts in Pakistan, an official from the organization highlighted how the projects addressed critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure. These projects include the revival of Karachi's Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the establishment of the Burns and Trauma Centre in Peshawar, and the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS).

The JPMC, a cornerstone of Karachi’s healthcare system since 1959, had struggled to keep up with the city’s growing population. In 2019, USAID undertook the modernization of JPMC, establishing a cutting-edge Surgical Complex. The new facility houses advanced operating rooms, an intensive care unit (ICU), and modern medical equipment, dramatically boosting the hospital’s ability to handle complex cases and emergencies.

The official noted that the improved infrastructure not only benefits patients but has also enhanced training opportunities for medical professionals, reinforcing the JPMC’s role as a premier institution for healthcare and education in Karachi.

In Jacobabad, known for its harsh climate and frequent natural disasters, USAID funded the construction of the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS), which opened in 2013. The $10 million project introduced a 133-bed hospital equipped to offer emergency care, maternity services, pediatrics, and general surgery.

The facility has been a game-changer for over a million people, especially women and children, who previously had little to no access to essential healthcare services. JIMS also serves as a training hub for medical staff, fostering long-term improvements in healthcare delivery.

Peshawar, a region frequently impacted by conflict and natural disasters, lacked a dedicated trauma facility until USAID stepped in to build the Burns and Trauma Centre at Hayatabad Medical Complex in 2019. With a $15 million investment, the 120-bed center now provides specialized care for burns, trauma, and reconstructive surgeries.

“This facility has become a sanctuary for trauma victims,” the USAID official shared, emphasizing how the center has reduced the distance patients previously had to travel for critical care. Healthcare workers at the facility have also benefited from advanced training, enabling them to manage complex cases more effectively.

USAID’s investments in healthcare extend beyond brick-and-mortar facilities. The projects have focused on creating a sustainable ecosystem by equipping hospitals with advanced tools, providing training for healthcare professionals, and strengthening medical research and education.

“These initiatives are not just about responding to immediate needs; they are about building a healthcare system that can sustain itself and grow,” the USAID official remarked.

USAID’s health projects have had a profound and visible impact, reducing travel times for critical care and improving access to specialized services. The organization’s work in Pakistan is a testament to the importance of global partnerships in addressing pressing community needs.

“By modernizing key facilities and empowering healthcare workers, USAID has helped Pakistan take significant steps toward a stronger healthcare system,” the official said, adding that the ultimate aim is to ensure all Pakistanis have access to timely and quality medical care.