WHO representative reviews health facilities for flood affectees in Swat

SWAT: World Health Organization representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala spent a busy day in Swat on Thursday and assessed the flood devastation and subsequent plight of the affected people.

Swat District Officer (DO) Health Dr Muhammad Saleem Khan accompanied the WHO country representative during the visit. Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala handed over medicines to the DO Health for flood victims and went to health centers in Matta and Madain areas.

On the occasion, Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala administered anti-polio drops to children and also met with patients and children in the health facilities. The delegation was given a detailed briefing on the flood disaster in Swat, the response and needs of the health department during the flood emergency. Speaking on the occasion, the WHO representative in Pakistan said that the WHO has completed the rapid health assessment for 13 flood-affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the WHO is providing support to the Health Department in emergency response, including the supply of medicines, equipment, and professional human resource services. The delegation also inaugurated an Emergency Operation Centre at the office of District health Officer Swat.