The paediatric mortality rate in ChildLife-operated
emergency rooms stands at just 1.2%. This
performance is on par with the best private hospitals
Staff Reporter
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has highlighted the success of the partnership between the Sindh government and the Childlife Foundation (CLF) in significantly reducing infant mortality rates in the province. The infant mortality rate in Sindh has dropped to 2.9%, well below the national average of 5.4%.
Reducing Infant Mortality and Improving Paediatric Care
At a recent event celebrating the Global Reconciliation of Healthcare Quality in Children’s Emergency Rooms, CM Shah emphasized that the paediatric mortality rate in ChildLife-operated emergency rooms stands at just 1.2%. This performance is on par with the best private hospitals in the country.
The event, which included the inauguration of Pakistan’s first public sector Level-5 paediatric safe care facility at Sindh Government Hospital, was attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who was the chief guest.
Successful Public-Private Collaboration
CM Shah praised the collaboration between the Sindh government and CLF, calling it a model partnership that has transformed healthcare for children in the province. He further assured that the Sindh government remains committed to providing every child with access to world-class emergency healthcare, available 24/7 and free of charge.
Improved Healthcare Facilities and Expansion Plans
Since 2010, over one million children have been treated annually in emergency rooms across Sindh. Modern emergency facilities have been set up in nine teaching hospitals, including locations in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Larkana.
Additionally, a 24/7 telemedicine network has been established across 105 tehsils in Sindh, ensuring expert paediatric consultations even in remote areas. The Sindh government has also implemented rigorous auditing by A.F. Ferguson to ensure transparency in funding.
International Recognition and Future Plans
The Sindh government’s partnership with CLF has earned international recognition. Notably, the Children’s Emergency Room at Civil Hospital Karachi became the first public sector facility in Pakistan to receive Level-5 SafeCare Certification. Harvard Business School has also recognized this partnership as a model for nation-building.
Looking ahead, the Sindh government aims to reduce child mortality by another 50% over the next five years. This includes the establishment of 30 urgent care centres across the province, offering 10-25 bed emergency rooms. Furthermore, initiatives like “Helping Babies Breathe” and postpartum family planning services will be introduced in over 100 government hospitals.
Acknowledging Healthcare Workers’ Dedication
CM Shah commended the dedication of doctors, staff, and healthcare workers, who have delivered results comparable to top private hospitals, despite challenging circumstances. He invited all stakeholders to join efforts in ensuring that every child in Sindh has access to quality healthcare.
The event concluded with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Murad Ali Shah visiting the Telemedicine control room, where they were briefed on the system’s operations.
