Quality healthcare is usually unavailable on a reliable and affordable basis in rural Pakistan. OSDI initiatives in the health sector aim to fill gaps wherever there is a lack of adequate healthcare in the rural areas. The objectives of the health program are:

• Improving overall health of individuals living in our focus villages by providing access to primary healthcare facilities, and counteracting existing communicable, non communicable and water borne diseases.
• Effectively reducing health costs and the prevalence of diseases.
• Minimising unexpected health expenses that drain the rural poor’s ability to afford the basic necessities of life. Increasing awareness about the importance of proper hygiene, preventive measures and proper medical care through various social mobilization tools.

Primary Healthcare Centres have been set up to provide quality healthcare including qualified doctors, subsidised medicines and basic health infrastructure in the identified rural communities. These centres have the capacity of catering to the healthcare needs of the entire population of these villages.

Hepatitis B & C prevention and Control Program: In collaboration with the Chief Minister’s Initiative for Hepatitis Free Sindh, the Hepatitis B & C Prevention and Control Program has been initiated in OSDI’s focus villages . It is designed to first screen the entire population for the infection and subsequently to facilitate treatment of Hepatitis positive patients and vaccinate the remaining community.

General Medical Camps: General medical camps are being setup in villages where basic health facilities are non-existent. The primary purpose of the project is provision of basic health care to local communities and creating awareness in matters regarding health and hygiene .The General Medical Camps are staffed with a qualified team of doctors, paramedics and supporting staff for diagnosing and treatment of commonly occurring illnesses at a subsidized token fee of Rs 30.

Health Education Initiative: Health Education is being imparted on the students of Temporary Learning Centers coming under OSDI’s purview. The students in the TLC’s are being acquainted with knowledge regarding health and hygiene in addition to general education. Health education drives aim to shape the children into healthier, productive citizens in their communities in the future.

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