UMERKOT
A climate-resilient restoration of the Government Dispensary (GD) Ghulam Hussain Mangrio in Union Council KS Atta Mohammad Palli, District Umerkot, has been completed, significantly improving access to primary healthcare for local communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, District Health Officer (DHO) Umerkot, Dr. Mohammad Ali Nohri, highlighted that climate change is increasingly affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in disaster-prone regions like Umerkot.
He noted that while the health department is making efforts to meet rising healthcare demands, the scale of need continues to exceed available resources.
He appreciated the support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) for strengthening government health facilities through climate-resilient interventions.
Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO) Dr. Fareed Ahmed Hingorjo stated that the restored dispensary will reduce the burden on the district hospital by enabling local residents to access immediate primary care and emergency first aid within their village.
Deputy District Health Officer (DDHO-EPI) Dr. Sher Mohammad Mahar emphasized that the facility will also serve as an important center for immunization services under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), ensuring improved vaccine coverage across the community.
Rajab Ali Samejo, Project Manager of the RSS&CR initiative at AWARE, explained that the project aims to remove environmental barriers to healthcare access.
He stressed that building climate-resilient infrastructure is essential to achieving health equity, especially for marginalized communities, and acknowledged the key role played by local Village Organizations and community members in implementing the project.
The dispensary, originally established in 2016, was severely damaged during the floods of 2020 and 2022. Serving a population of over 1,500 people, it remains the only healthcare facility in the area, with an average daily outpatient attendance of more than 50 patients.
Its restoration has significantly enhanced both infrastructure and service delivery.
The facility has undergone comprehensive rehabilitation, including full building repairs and the addition of improved sanitation systems. Separate WASH facilities for men and women have been constructed with modern fittings and proper water connections. A compound wall has been built to ensure security, along with an incinerator for the safe disposal of medical waste. The dispensary has also been equipped with essential furniture, fixtures, and a medicine store room. To address energy challenges and ensure uninterrupted services, a solar photovoltaic system has been installed.
Community members welcomed the improvements, noting that the upgraded facility not only enhances healthcare services but also restores dignity and safety for the local population. They described the dispensary as a model for rural healthcare, combining functionality with sustainability.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a tree-planting activity, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. A walkthrough of the facility showcased the newly upgraded infrastructure, including sanitation facilities, waste management systems, and solar installations.
This restoration is part of the Restoring Social Services & Climate Resilience (RSS&CR) project, funded by PPAF and implemented by AWARE. The initiative focuses on rehabilitating essential services with infrastructure designed to withstand climate-related challenges, ensuring sustainable and resilient healthcare delivery for underserved communities.
