In Northern Pakistan, in the remote mountain village of Arando, which is cut off from the rest of the world by snow for six months in winter, a large Czech flag hangs outside a building - at a place where few would expect it. Thanks to the initiative of the legendary Czech mountaineer Mrs Dina Štěrbová and other climbers, a Czech hospital was established in this village in 2007, providing medical care for nearly 10,000 residents of the wider Basha Valley area. Now, thanks to a small-scale CzechAid development project, the hospital has received a new mobile color ultrasound, sterilizer, and a set of surgical instruments.

The new equipment was personally delivered by the Czech Ambassador to Pakistan, H. E. Mr. Ladislav Steinhübel, together with the Deputy Head of Mission and Economic Diplomat Michaela Chrtová. During the handover, the Ambassador stated that "the Czech Hospital project in Arando is unique due to its location in one of the least accessible areas of Northern Pakistan. The Czech Republic has been supporting local communities in Pakistan through small-scale local projects for many years, the aim to help where needed with Czech comprehensive solutions. This modern equipment at the Czech Hospital will help further improve healthcare for the local population, especially for women and children."

The Czech Hospital is run by trained medic Mr Najaf Ali, who provides necessary medical services and examinations to all residents in the catchment area, particularly pregnant women and children who need care the most. Thanks to the operation of the hospital, children no longer die from pneumonia, and moreover, minor procedures can now be performed on-site. If necessary, patients can be transferred to a bigger hospital in Skardu, eight hours away, provided the weather and the condition of the only road permit.

The project was supported with funding from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Small Scale Local Projects program of development cooperation.

For more information about the Czech Hospital, visit www.czechhospital.cz.

Michaela Chrtová, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pakistan