Address of the Prime Minister at Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Shaheed
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Accident and Emergency and Trauma Centre, Civil
Hospital, Karachi on 10.1.2009
Bismillah-ir-Rahma'n-ir-Raheem
Dr. Eshrat ul Ebad, Governor Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Asslam-o-Alaikum
I am indeed very happy to be here on the auspicious occasion of Laying the Foundation
Stone of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Accident, Emergency and Trauma Centre at
Civil Hospital, Karachi. It was the vision and desire of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto that such kind of Centres should be established all over the country to provide
immediate treatment to the victims of Rail and Road accidents, natural disasters, suicide
and bomb attacks.
The Rupees 2.5 billion state-of-the-art Accident and Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital,
Karachi with 450 beds, is expected to be completed in two years. The Center is a part of
the emergency preparedness mechanism being implemented by the Peoples Party
Government in accordance with its manifesto and vision of its leaders. I am also happy to
know that this is the largest single hospital project to be undertaken since the last twenty
years jointly by the Sindh Government and the Federal Government. The project would
benefit vast majority of people with modern facilities and care without any
discrimination.
We are cognizant of the fact that emergency management in the country requires
knowledge and information on hazard identification, risk assessment as well as linkages
between disaster preparedness. The role of Health Sector in emergencies is highly
significant as the doctors and para medical staff play a key role in saving lives and
mitigating effects of disasters.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pakistan is exposed to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, landslides, droughts,
communicable diseases and currently it is facing suicide bombings and attacks. The
nation has always dealt with these disasters with courage and determination.
In thousands of road accidents every year in the country a large number of people are
killed and injured. The majority of victims in these accidents are in productive age group
causing immense economic loss for their families which create social problems.
There is a need for transforming natural disasters into opportunities. Enormous resources
were spent to meet disasters but little attention was paid to the psychological effects of
the horrific incidents on human minds. There is a need for promoting research of various
forms in this field in order to provide necessary relief to the victims. I hope this project
will also emphasize on research and development.
The people of Pakistan had shown resilience and courage to deal with the devastating
October 2005 earthquake and we need to demonstrate the same character and spirit for
dealing with all kind of disasters. It is difficult to stop terrorists attacks but their effects
on the minds of the people could be minimized by providing necessary psychotreatment.
This should be a part and parcel of all such projects in the country.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is the policy of our government that emergency services of health sector are provided
to the people on priority basis. The Government of Sindh should take a lead in this
connection through inter sectoral collaboration of all concerned departments,
stakeholders and private sector. I assure you full support of the Federal Government in
this regard.
The Healthy, Educated and Prosperous Pakistan is our dream. We are striving for this
dream to come true for the welfare of poor segments of society. A large number of
deserving people are being provided financial assistance in the education and health
sectors. Benazir Income Support Programme has been launched for the uplift of such
needy and destitute segments of society.
Elimination of poverty, provision of employment opportunities and bridging the divide
between the rich and poor, provision of better health and educational facilities to all is the
top priority and key element of planning of the present government. Steps are being taken
and requisite laws are being framed to ensure sustainability of facilities at all levels.
We have started a number of projects at the Federal level for alleviating the suffering of
the victims of the natural calamities. The scope of the National Disaster Management
Authority is being extended to the Provincial and District level for taking prompt action
in the event of any catas trophy. A handsome amount is being spent on equipping the
authority with machinery and food stuffs. Office of the authority is established in the
Prime Minister's Secretariat under the direct command of the Prime Minister. The
importance of private organizations can also not be undermined. I would like to
appreciate Edhi Trust Foundation and other allied institutions who always come to the
rescue of the victims of any eventuality. We must keep ourselves ready for all kind of
emergencies and should adopt all preventive measures which are humanly possible to
minimize the sufferings.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We all know that Karachi is the most populous city of the country with an inhabition of
more than 12 million people. This is my first home also. I was born in Karachi as has
been my grandson. This great city needs great efforts and attention in infrastructure and
human resource development.
The Government is fully aware of the problems being faced by of Karachites. We are
trying to fetch maximum money for Karachi in order to keep pace with the increasing
demands of the city. The cooperation between Federal, Provincial and city District
Government is of utmost importance for this purpose.
Let me assure you Ladies and Gentlemen, my government will leave no stone unturned to
make the city of Karachi a metropolitan of the world standard. By the grace of almighty
we will do this.
Before I conclude I must facilitate the Provincial Government for showing keen interest
for initiating this project. I would direct the executing agency to complete the trauma
Centre within the stipulated period.
I thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.
Pakistan Panidabad