ISLAMABAD: Stabilisation centres fail to achieve their purpose of facilitating pregnant and lactating mothers, and children under five suffer from malnutrition due to the absence of qualified nutritionists.
These centres, established in districts across the country, also face a shortage of F-75 and F-100, formulas used during initial treatment of malnourished patients.
A senior official in the Ministry of Health Services, Regulation and Coordination said, “Shortages of qualified staff in this field are a major challenge,” while questioning the government’s performance. He said malnutrition is not only affecting the country’s economic growth, but also accounts for death of numerous mothers and infants.
“Malnourished mothers are giving birth to unhealthy children who, due to weak immune system, acquire diseases which may result in their deaths. This is only happening because of the failure of the facilities.” internews
