The Department of Health, GoS, has signed a MoU with PPHI Sindh and CERP to pilot AI-enabled handheld US devices at primary healthcare facilities in underserved districts


Karachi, September 9, 2025 - The Department of Health, Government of Sindh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PPHI Sindh and the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) to pilot AI-enabled handheld ultrasound devices at primary healthcare facilities in underserved districts.

Supported by the Gates Foundation, the initiative will deploy 20 devices across six districts, expanding access to life-saving diagnostic imaging for pregnant women in areas without conventional ultrasound services. The pilot will also measure the impact of AI-enabled ultrasound on early enrollment in the Sindh Social Protection Authority's Mamta Program.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health, said: "By bringing AI-enabled ultrasound to the primary level, we are removing barriers to care and strengthening referral pathways for pregnant women and newborns in rural Sindh."

Ms. Zeina Sifri, Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation, added: "This partnership reflects Sindh's leadership in advancing maternal health through innovation, ensuring pregnancies are assessed earlier and more mothers receive timely care."

The pilot will integrate ultrasound services into routine maternal and child health care under the Mamta Program. Health workers will receive training on device use, safe scanning, and referral protocols, ensuring continuity of care from community to higher-level facilities.

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