China-backed health project launched in Balochistan

QUETTA: A health sector initiative backed by the Chinese government has been formally launched in Balochistan to improve services for mothers and newborns at 100 medical centres in seven districts of the province.

The project has been presented as a significant move to reinforce the province’s maternal and child healthcare system and to improve the delivery of medical services to the public.

According to a statement, the programme is aimed at upgrading healthcare facilities focused on maternal and newborn care across the selected centres. The initiative covers seven districts and is intended to support better access to quality treatment and care for women and infants.

Chief minister welcomes Chinese support

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in a statement that the provincial government appreciated the Chinese government’s support for the initiative.

He said the project represented an important example of cooperation between Pakistan and China and reflected the close ties between the two countries.

‘The provincial government is grateful to the Chinese government for this important cooperation,’ the chief minister said, adding that the initiative was a shining example of Pakistan-China friendship and mutual cooperation.

The launch of the programme comes as Balochistan seeks to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in areas related to maternal and child health. The official statement described the initiative as an important step toward improving the healthcare system for mothers and children and ensuring the provision of quality medical services to the public.

No further operational details, including the names of the seven districts or the implementation timeline, were provided in the statement cited in the report.

The announcement underlines continuing cooperation between Pakistan and China in public sector development, with the Balochistan government highlighting the health initiative as a practical example of bilateral collaboration.

The project specifically targets 100 medical centres, where support is expected to contribute to better healthcare facilities for mothers and newborns. The provincial government has linked the initiative to broader efforts to strengthen service delivery in the health sector.

Officials described the programme as a step forward for maternal and child healthcare in the province, with the stated objective of improving the quality of care available to the public through the selected health facilities.