Karachi: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, along with Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and representatives of international health organizations, on Tuesday inaugurated the Nutrition Stabilization Center and Model Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Center established under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi.
Addressing the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid stated that the Nutrition Stabilization Center is an important component of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and has been established to provide specialized care and treatment for children suffering from moderate and severe acute malnutrition. She further explained that the programme has developed an effective referral mechanism linking Nashonuma Facilitation Centers with Nutrition Stabilization Centers to ensure timely identification, referral, and treatment of malnourished children.
Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that the Nutrition Stabilization Center reflects the collective commitment of the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Sindh, international development partners, and provincial health authorities to combat child malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable families. She stated that the center demonstrates how meaningful results can be achieved when government institutions, United Nations agencies, and health systems work together under a shared vision.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho highlighted the growing challenge of child malnutrition in Pakistan and stressed the need for integrated and coordinated measures to improve child health outcomes. She stated that a significant number of children continue to suffer from stunting and impaired cognitive development due to malnutrition, underscoring the importance of strengthening nutrition and healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
Referring to the achievements of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, the Sindh Health Minister shared that programme data indicates that more than 90 percent of beneficiaries have completed immunization coverage, reflecting the effectiveness of integrated service delivery. She added that the Model EPI Center will serve as a benchmark for comprehensive child healthcare and provide a replicable model for strengthening preventive health services across the province.
Meanwhile Senator Rubina Khalid visited the BISP Tehsil Offices located in Civil Lines and Aram Bagh in Karachi South on Tuesday. During the visit, she reviewed the ongoing free SIM issuance process under the Social Protection Wallet initiative and observed the registration of beneficiaries under the newly introduced digital payment and financial inclusion system.
While interacting with beneficiaries, the Chairperson provided guidance on the benefits and usage of the Social Protection Wallet and emphasized the importance of secure, transparent, and efficient digital financial services for eligible families. She directed field staff to ensure uninterrupted facilitation for beneficiaries and stressed the need to further strengthen awareness efforts regarding the new payment mechanism. She highlighted the importance of effective communication and beneficiary support to ensure a smooth transition to the Social Protection Wallet system and to enhance financial inclusion for deserving households.
Director General BISP Sindh, Sanaullah Rind, and Consultant BISP Sindh, Naveed Khan, were also present on the occasion.