Provision of quality, safe healthcare services remains Sindh Govt;s foremost priority: Dr. Azra Pechuho

The Fourth International Family Planning Summit, titled “Maan Rahay Salamat (Safe Motherhood)”, commenced at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) here on Friday, under the theme “Youth, Family Planning and Digital Innovation,” with the objective of promoting maternal health, raising awareness about family planning, and addressing the challenges of rapid population growth through innovative and evidence-based approaches

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2026) The Fourth International Family Planning Summit, titled “Maan Rahay Salamat (Safe Motherhood)”, commenced at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) here on Friday, under the theme “Youth, Family Planning and Digital Innovation,” with the objective of promoting maternal health, raising awareness about family planning, and addressing the challenges of rapid population growth through innovative and evidence-based approaches.

Addressing the participants as chief guest, Sindh Minister for Health, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho stated that the Government of Sindh continues to lead the country in introducing legislative and practical reforms in the health sector.

She said the government’s foremost priority is to ensure the provision of quality, safe, and timely healthcare services for all citizens.

Highlighting transportation challenges faced by women, particularly in remote areas, Dr. Pechuho said that the Sindh Government is establishing Birth Station Centers to ensure that women living in underserved communities have timely access to safe and quality maternal healthcare services.

The Minister further stated that the Government of Sindh is implementing comprehensive measures to strengthen HIV prevention and early diagnosis across the province.

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She said that HIV screening has been accelerated, while additional CDC (Comprehensive Disease Control) Centres are being activated to expand testing, ensure early detection, and improve access to treatment.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by public hospitals, Dr. Pechuho said the government has recently recruited additional healthcare professionals, while further recruitment is underway to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the quality of medical services across public health facilities.

Speaking about the role of the media, the Health Minister appreciated constructive reporting, stating that responsible media coverage helps identify shortcomings within hospitals and contributes to improving healthcare services.

Dr. Pechuho expressed confidence that the Fourth International Family Planning Summit would serve as an important platform for promoting family planning, improving maternal health, engaging young people, and advancing digital innovation in healthcare, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient public health system.

Ms Ayesha Leghari, Country Director PSI Pakistan; Muhammad Arshad Chohan; Dr Al Fareed Zafar; PPHI Sindh CEO Javed Jagirani; Dr Talib Lashari; and other distinguished speakers also addressed the summit.