Details: Known as the “Climate Carnage” by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Pakistan has witnessed one of the most terrible floods in history. For the purpose of providing medical aid, and to prevent individuals from further suffering, NICVD has set up multiple relief camps in various parts of Sindh. These camps are located in Sujawal, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, Umerkot, Khairpur, Gadap Karachi and several other locations within the province where floods have made a devastating impact. By providing medical services free of cost, these camps are home to hundreds of homeless men, women, and children. The goal: The NICVD aims not only to provide food and nutrition but to give a nutritional assessment of the victims, to provide them with sufficient nutrients according to their dietary requirements. In addition to the nutritional assessments, the NICVD also seeks to provide goody bags. These goody bags include sustainable and healthy food items for young children with dietary imbalances or malnourishment. Furthermore, the camps offer an array of services such as blood drips, cannula, injections, and medicines by medical professionals including paramedics, doctors, and nurses. Ganjo Takkar: One of the relief camps is in Ganjo Takkar which is a small junction near Hyderabad and is now home to hundreds of flood victims who have migrated from various parts of the district in search of shelter. These individuals have set up small tents and are now residing near the relief camp. The most common ailments and demographics being treated at this camp are skin disorders, malaria, dengue fever, and other respiratory problems in both children and adults. Another very common illness being treated is malnutrition which is more common among females. Free medicines are also distributed along with the free services, and the relief camp teams are working tirelessly to cater to the needs of the victims. Why it matters: These camps are undoubtedly a brilliant initiative from NICVD, the largest heart institute which provides free services to all its patients regardless of age, gender, or social background. With such efforts, the nation hopes to stabilize the lives of all flood victims and take countermeasures to prevent diseases from spreading any further, and work towards a stronger and healthier country.
