ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister NHSR&C Abdul Qadir Patel said that the humanitarian services rendered by PRCS and IFRC in the flood-hit areas are highly commendable, people are in dire need of food, non-food, shelter and rehabilitation and the government looks forward to the support of international organizations in mitigating the sufferings of the distressed people in flood-hit areas of Pakistan.
Abdul Qadir Patel expressed these views when PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari and IFRC delegation headed by Under Secretary General Xavier Castellanos called on him at Parliament House here on Tuesday.
Matters of mutual interests, flood situation in Pakistan and future plans regarding the provision of relief and rehabilitation services to the flood-affected families were discussed during the meeting.
Speaking on this occasion, Abdul Qadir Patel stressed upon developing cohesive strategies and plan for providing health and care services to the flood victims suffering from water-borne diseases and especially for the pregnant women who are in dire need of health and care support. “The flood-hit areas were already under privileged and we all have to work together to overcome these challenges, Red Crescent has been a great partner and we are hopeful that together with the support of PRCS and IFRC we will be able to support the affected families in much efficient way”, he added.
PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari briefed the Minister about PRCS rescue and relief services in flood-hit areas. He said that PRCS together with the support of IFRC and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners would expand its relief operation in flood-hit areas to help people in all operational phases from relief to rehabilitation. He said PRCS has installed 8 water treatment plants in different districts of the country that are providing thousand liters of safe and drinkable water to communities in flood-ravaged areas.
Speaking on this occasion, IFRC under Secretary General Xavier Castellanos said that IFRC reaffirmed its commitment to support PRCS and government of Pakistan in its humanitarian endeavors. Xavier said that IFRC will expand its support to PRCS for the relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit population through Health, WASH and other interventions.
