Karachi: In an alarming revelation, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho acknowledged dire state of health department in province, highlighting severe shortage of doctors.

According to Minister, there is currently only one doctor available for every 7,500 people in Sindh, while ideal ratio should be one doctor for every 1,500 individuals.

During media interaction following her address at seminar held at private university here, Dr. Pechuho disclosed that approximately eight thousand doctors are currently serving in Sindh, which is woefully inadequate to meet healthcare needs of population.

She emphasised that shortage of doctors has had detrimental consequences, particularly in area of maternal health.

Despite existence of laws pertaining to abortion in country, Dr. Ezra Pechuho lamented that numerous mothers continue to lose their lives each year due to involvement of 'untrained' midwives in process.

Dr. Pechuho underscored detrimental impact of rapidly growing population on various sectors, including employment, education, healthcare and food security.