MUZAFFARABAD
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) AJK State Branch, in collaboration with the PRCS National Headquarters Islamabad and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), successfully concluded the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project in District Neelum.
The project, launched for a three-month period under the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), was initiated in response to the devastating Monsoon floods of 2025. It aimed to bridge critical gaps in primary healthcare delivery by providing essential medical services, consultations, and medicines directly to affected and vulnerable communities at their doorsteps, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas where access to healthcare was severely disrupted.
A concluding ceremony was held to acknowledge and appreciate the dedicated services of the MHU team deployed in District Neelum. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials from the Health Department and Municipal Corporation Muzaffarabad (MCM), representatives from the IFRC and PRCS National Headquarters, the MHU team, PRCS staff, and volunteers.
The Most Senior Minister and Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of AJK, Mian Abdul Waheed, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the need for anticipatory approaches to climate-induced disasters and reaffirmed the Government’s full support to PRCS AJK. He commended the humanitarian interventions of PRCS AJK during both peacetime and emergencies, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in building resilience against disasters in the region.
Chairman PRCS AJK, Sardar Shafique Khan, described the MHU as a critical lifeline for flood-affected communities in District Neelum. Despite significant challenges posed by adverse weather, difficult terrain, and damaged infrastructure, the team provided healthcare services to thousands of individuals, including women, children, pregnant and lactating mothers, whose access to medical care had been severely impacted by the floods.
He stressed the importance of preparedness and proactive response, stating:
“While natural calamities have made it clear that disasters do not wait, neither should our response. While this project is concluding today, our commitment to stand with affected communities, support recovery, and build resilience remains unwavering.”
Secretary PRCS AJK, Ms. Gulzar Fatima, praised the efforts of the outgoing MHU team and provided a detailed overview of the project’s activities and achievements. She expressed deepest gratitude to the Government of AJK — particularly the Health Department — Pakistan Army, and District Administration of Neelum for their unwavering support and collaboration. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to the IFRC and PRCS National Headquarters for their financial, technical, and operational assistance through the DREF.
Programme & Disaster Management Manager of PRCS AJK and Focal Person for DREF, Naveed Awan, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the project’s overall activities, goals, and key accomplishments.
During the ceremony, Chairman PRCS AJK, Sardar Shafique Ahmed Khan, presented PRCS shields as tokens of appreciation to Most Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, the MHU staff, and other contributing team members, staff, and volunteers.
