Saudi Arabia opens 8-BHUs in quake-hit areas

August 23^rd, 2011: Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims has opened 8-Basic Health Units in AJK and KPK to improve the healthcare facilities for tens of thousands of children and their families living in earthquake-affected areas.

These Saudi funded BHUs were constructed by UNICEF constructed in Muzaffarabad, Abbottabad and Mansehra with the financial support of Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims (SPAPEV). The Saudi-supported basic health units will serve a population of more than 60,000 people, largely benefiting children and women.

The buildings are modern, earthquake-resistant and environmentally-friendly structures with the facility of water and electricity supply. The facilities are well-equipped with furniture and medical equipment. The BHUs vary in size from 2-4 blocks, with up to 21 rooms facility. Facilities in each BHU include a dispensary, waiting and examination rooms; wardroom, family planning area, and laboratory.

On 23^rd of August 2011, a ceremony was held to inaugurate these BHUs. SPAPEV Regional Director, Dr. Khalid M. Al-othmani, presided the ceremony held at the Basic Health Unit Sarar Hasanabad.

Secretary AJK Health Brig Kamal ud Din Soomro, DG Health AJK, DG SERRA, ERRA, UNICEF Pakistan Representative Dan Rohrmann and a large number of people were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Khalid M. Alothmani (ڈاکٹر خالد العثمانی) said

“Since the October 2005 earthquake, we have been working hard to lessen the hardships of the earthquake-affected people. This project is the result of our three-pronged strategy to focus on health, education and housing. I would also like to give appreciation for the efforts of UNICEF in completing these seven BHUs. I would also like to assure our Pakistani brothers and sisters that Saudi Arabia will continue to support their recovery.


UNICEF Representative, Mr Rohrmann said that

“ Construction and fitting out of the basic health units would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Saudi People and other major donors.


He said the funds collected from the Saudi people are being utilized transparently in the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects carried out in quake-stricken areas of Pakistan.

These Basic Health Units are providing practical and improved health services to their local communities. We know that access to health services can make a real difference in terms of reducing child mortality and contributing to the ongoing health of children and women.


He further stated that

“On behalf of UNICEF, I would like to thank the Saudi People for their generosity in making a real difference to the lives of children. The benefits of these Basic Health Units will be measured in decades of improved health.


Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health AJK Brig. Kamal ud Din Soomro said that now it is the responsibility of the local community to look into the affairs of the health and education facilities provided to them.

Mr Soomro Said that

“ Managing the affairs of these facilities are a difficult task for the government and for this, the local community should come forward to support these facilities.


He also thanked the Saudi Government and people for helping Pakistani people after 2005 earthquake. He said that the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programs launched by Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims (SPAPEV) can never be forgotten.

He appreciated the SPAPEV for construction of 8000 pre-fabricated houses, 28 schools, and 8-BHUs in quake-ravaged AJK and KPK areas.

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