The Sindh Health Department has launched a bold step to make healthcare more accessible for women in remote areas by introducing AI-powered handheld ultrasound machines. For many mothers-to-be in rural Sindh, this could mean the difference between a safe delivery and a preventable tragedy.
The initiative, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will begin with 20 devices placed in six underserved districts. These areas have long struggled with a lack of diagnostic facilities, often forcing pregnant women to travel hours to reach hospitals in big cities.
A Lifeline for Rural Families
For women in small villages, the journey to an ultrasound is not just about distance—it’s about cost, time, and the risks of traveling while pregnant. Now, with these portable AI-enabled devices, local healthcare workers will be capable to carry out scans right in primary health centers. The scans are going to detect complications earlier and ensure that women are referred to hospitals when necessary.
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At the signing ceremony, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho described the project as a “game-changer” that will remove long-standing barriers in maternal healthcare. “This technology will make sure our mothers and newborns are cared for on time, especially in rural areas,” she said.
Supporting Mothers Through the Mamta Programme
The scans will also be linked to the Mamta Programme, Sindh’s maternal and child health initiative. Pregnant women registered under Mamta will now get regular monitoring via ultrasound, along with quicker referrals to advanced care if any issues are detected.
To make this work, health workers will be specially trained to use the devices and follow safety and referral protocols, ensuring that technology is backed by skilled hands.
A Step Toward Safer Births
Zeina Sifri from the Gates Foundation praised Sindh’s approach, claiming that identifying pregnancies early and providing timely care can save countless lives. She stressed that this pilot could serve as a model for the rest of Pakistan.
For rural families, this initiative is more than technology—it’s a ray of hope. It means fewer risky journeys, fewer emergencies, and more healthy mothers and babies starting their lives with care and dignity.