The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) is proud to announce the opening of a cutting-edge operating room at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Pakistan's largest and only children's hospital in Sindh Province.

The inauguration ceremony, graced by the presence of Sindh Health Minister Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, and Dr. Mehmet Paçacı, Turkish Republic Ambassador to Pakistan, marked a significant milestone in Pakistan-Turkey relations.

Speaking at the grand opening, Minister of Health Dr Saad Khalid Niaz expressed his gratitude to TİKA for its continuous dedication to enhancing the healthcare sector in Sindh.

He praised TİKA's commitment to equipping multiple hospitals with modern medical facilities, recognizing the immense pressure that hospitals often face while striving for improvement.

Dr. Niaz further extended his congratulations to TİKA on the successful completion of the state-of-the-art Operation Theater, emphasizing the strengthening of Turkish-Pakistani friendship through these collaborative efforts.

Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Paçacı also took the opportunity to highlight the longstanding friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkey.

He emphasised the unwavering support both nations have shown during challenging times and commended TİKA for its charitable work in over 150 countries. Ambassador Paçacı mentioned various ongoing projects, including Pak-Turk schools and colleges.

TİKA Karachi Program Coordinator Halil Ibrahim Başaran revealed that TİKA has undertaken over 80 healthcare projects throughout Pakistan.

These endeavors have contributed to the development of Pakistan's healthcare sector, aligning with TİKA's mission to support friendly and brotherly countries. Seven significant health projects were executed in different fields between 2019 and 2023 in Sindh Province alone, demonstrating TİKA's dedication to Pakistan's progress in the health sector.

Dr. Nasir Saleem Saddal, Director and Chief Medical Officer of the NICH, described the institution as the largest center for child treatment, with patients coming from all over the country.

He praised the hospital's commitment to providing free-of-cost medical care, including oncology and endocrinology, despite the challenges posed by a high patient load.

Following the speeches, Minister of Health Niaz and Ambassador Paçacı jointly cut the ribbon, symbolizing the official opening of the new operating room established by TİKA.

This modern facility will serve Pakistani children in need of specialized medical care. After the ceremony, the esteemed guests visited the intensive care unit, where they brightened the day of young patients with gifts thoughtfully prepared by TİKA.

TİKA's Remarkable Health Projects in Sindh Province The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency has carried out more than 80 health projects throughout Pakistan since 2010, with offices in Islamabad and Karachi.

In Sindh Province, TİKA has executed seven significant health projects, focusing on the treatment of various diseases such as thalassemia, cataracts, and cleft lip and palate. Most recently, TİKA collaborated with Koohi Goth Women's Hospital to provide training to 100 healthcare professionals in newborn hearing screening. Additionally, TİKA generously donated newborn hearing screening devices to five hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad, further cementing its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the region.