Karachi, October 06, 2023 (PPI-OT):We are delighted to announce that we have now successfully completed/accomplished a century of deliveries at our container-based mobile clinics. Our ‘Health on Wheels’ initiative, which commenced in November 2022, continues to make a profound impact in the challenging and hard-to-reach flood-affected regions of Balochistan. These areas include Sohbatpur, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, and Jaffarabad. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing essential healthcare services to communities in need.
In times of crisis, accessibility to crucial health services is paramount. However, disrupted road networks often make it challenging for affected communities to reach healthcare facilities. Addressing this concern, the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) introduced an innovative concept called “Health on Wheels”. The initiative involved transforming containers into fully functional mobile clinics, effectively reaching areas impacted by floods or lacking access to essential medical services.
With the invaluable support of multiple donors, including Indus-CHD core funds, IHHN successfully bridged the gap to serve unreachable and unreached populations in Balochistan. This initiative provided quality primary healthcare, family health clinics, and maternal health services led by midwives to communities in otherwise inaccessible regions, ensuring continuous care until the local health system could be restored to its original capacity.
The “Health on Wheels” initiative ensured a team of highly qualified healthcare providers, including both male and female professionals, were present on board to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of the community. This encompassed paramedical staff, pharmacists, nursing staff, lab technicians, and mental health counsellors, all collectively contributing to comprehensive care.
Additionally, they provided laboratory diagnostic services such as laboratory diagnostic tests, including complete blood profiles, rapid diagnostic tests, blood glucose level monitoring, and malaria screening, along with the provision of essential medicines. To engage with the community and promote well-being, the sites also hosted activities focusing on mental health consultations and imparting vital information on safety measures, personal hygiene, disease prevention, and proper hand hygiene during flood emergencies.
Moreover, clean delivery kits and newborn baby kits were available for midwifery-led deliveries within the containers and for patients opting for home deliveries. Complementing this effort, Community Engagement and Communication (CEC) teams actively participated in pregnancy mapping and health education, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare outreach. This proactive and strategic initiative demonstrated the power of innovation in overcoming logistical challenges and prioritizing the well-being of communities in their time of need.
For more information, contact
The Indus Hospital (TIH)
C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite Darussalam Society,
Korangi Crossing, Karachi – 75190, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35112709-17
Fax: +92-21-35112718
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.indushospital.org.pk/