Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said ports must contribute to the development of port cities through jobs, tax revenues, logistics, industrial activity and waterfront regeneration.
“Ports and cities have historically been closely linked, and there is a need to strengthen this relationship,” he said, adding that while economic benefits often extend beyond port regions, the environmental and social impacts are frequently concentrated in port cities.
Commenting on ports’ role in urban development, he stressed the need to restore their role as drivers of urban economic growth and providers of healthcare to surrounding communities.
Following the vision of the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) held its 35th free medical camp at Bhit Island, providing healthcare services to 513 residents as part of its initiative to improve access to medical care in coastal communities.
The camp was organised on the directives of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry under the theme “Healthcare Beyond Boundaries.”
Junaid Chaudhry said the medical camp reflected the government’s broader vision of ensuring that communities living around port and coastal areas benefit from development activities.
The KPT medical team examined 513 patients and provided free medicines and laboratory services. The beneficiaries included 202 men, 201 women and 110 children. About 70 laboratory tests were also conducted.
A dedicated screening drive for hepatitis B and C was also held to facilitate early detection of these preventable diseases, particularly among underserved island communities.
Skin-related ailments accounted for around 70 per cent of the cases reported at the camp, while respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints were also recorded. Some patients were found to be suffering from chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.
A KPT speech therapist also conducted an awareness session for mothers on the early detection, prevention and treatment of developmental delays and neurological disorders among children. The mothers were briefed on the importance of speech therapy and early intervention.
Junaid Chaudhry urged the KPT to continue such initiatives to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities, particularly those living on islands and in underserved coastal areas.
