Karachi - The United States and Sindh governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to build a new hospital in Jacobabad which will provide high quality healthcare to the residents of Northern Sindh and Balochistan. The MOU was signed by USAID Deputy Mission Director Mr. Leon Waskin, and Secretary of Health Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khatri.

Under the MOU, USAID will fund construction of a new $10 million, 133-bed hospital in Jacobabad - the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS). Construction will begin in early 2013 and will be completed within 2 years. USAID support will provide medical equipment as well as a solar energy system and standby generators to secure a continuous energy supply for this state-of-the-art medical facility. The Government of Sindh will introduce a law creating an independent hospital management board comprised of government officials, noted health practitioners, and civil society representatives to oversee JIMS and ensure that it provides the highest standards of care.

"JIMS will deliver much needed quality health care services to the people of Jacobabad and surrounding districts in Sindh and Balochistan," said Mr. Waskin. "It will help countless Pakistanis, and serve as a testament to the enduring Pakistan-U.S. friendship."

The United States remains committed to providing long-term support for Pakistani health facilities, and their related equipment and supply needs. JIMS builds upon other recent U.S. initiatives in health, such as the recently inaugurated fistula and gynecology ward at the Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center in Karachi, where the United States and Pakistan are working together to train medical professionals, and strengthen maternal and child health services to meet Pakistanis' health needs.