International medical humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), has marked one year of providing maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis services at Dogra Hospital in Bara, Khyber District. In collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, MSF has worked to strengthen the hospital’s capacity through a dedicated newborn unit, support for maternity services, improved referral systems, and specialised care for people affected by leishmaniasis.
The milestone marks a significant step forward in improving access to quality healthcare for communities in the region. Since beginning its support in July 2025, MSF has treated a total of 348 newborns, with a reported neonatal mortality rate of 7.85 percent. The organisation remains committed to working with the Health Department to strengthen services at Dogra Hospital and support sustainable improvements in care.
- MSF has provided maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis services at Dogra Hospital for one year
- The organisation has treated 348 newborns, with a reported neonatal mortality rate of 7.85 percent
- MSF has supported the renovation of the hospital’s maternity ward, sanitary facilities, laundry, and sterilisation services
- The organisation has provided critical staffing and other essential support to the hospital
Dogra Hospital Services
Dogra Hospital serves communities in Bara and surrounding areas, including parts of Tirah Valley and Darra Adam Khel. The hospital provides a range of services, including a dedicated newborn unit, maternity services, and specialised care for people affected by leishmaniasis. The newborn unit provides care for premature and sick newborns, including oxygen, thermal, and feeding support, monitoring, medicines, and laboratory services.
The unit follows a zero-separation approach, allowing mothers to remain with their newborns throughout hospitalisation. This supports breastfeeding and bonding while enabling mothers to participate actively in their newborns’ care. Mothers are also provided with a bed and three meals a day during their stay.
MSF Country Representative Statement
“Ensuring that mothers and newborns can access timely, quality care is critical, particularly in areas where healthcare access has historically been limited,” said Leila Umalatova, MSF Country Representative in Pakistan. “MSF remains committed to working with the Health Department to strengthen services at Dogra Hospital and support sustainable improvements in care.”
Collaboration with the Government
The collaboration between MSF and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department supports the government’s initiative to upgrade Dogra Hospital from a Type D to a Type C secondary-care facility. This upgrade will significantly expand the hospital’s capacity and enable the provision of a broader range of specialised and essential healthcare services.
MSF has also strengthened the referral process by assessing patients before transfer and coordinating with receiving hospitals. An ambulance has been donated to the Health Department to support referrals in the district.
Future Plans
MSF plans to continue its support for Dogra Hospital, working with the Health Department to strengthen services and improve access to quality healthcare for communities in the region. The organisation is committed to providing critical healthcare services, including maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis care, to those in need.
For more information on MSF’s work in Pakistan, visit Watan News.
Conclusion
MSF’s one-year milestone of supporting maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis services at Dogra Hospital marks a significant step forward in improving access to quality healthcare for communities in the region. The organisation’s commitment to working with the Health Department to strengthen services at the hospital will have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of mothers and newborns in the area.
Q1: What services does MSF provide at Dogra Hospital?
A1: MSF provides maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis services at Dogra Hospital, including a dedicated newborn unit, support for maternity services, improved referral systems, and specialised care for people affected by leishmaniasis.
Q2: How many newborns has MSF treated at Dogra Hospital?
A2: MSF has treated a total of 348 newborns at Dogra Hospital, with a reported neonatal mortality rate of 7.85 percent.
Q3: What is the goal of MSF’s collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department?
A3: The goal of MSF’s collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department is to upgrade Dogra Hospital from a Type D to a Type C secondary-care facility, significantly expanding its capacity and enabling the provision of a broader range of specialised and essential healthcare services.
Q4: How does MSF support the referral process at Dogra Hospital?
A4: MSF strengthens the referral process by assessing patients before transfer and coordinating with receiving hospitals. An ambulance has been donated to the Health Department to support referrals in the district.
Q5: What is MSF’s commitment to Dogra Hospital and the communities it serves?
A5: MSF is committed to continuing its support for Dogra Hospital, working with the Health Department to strengthen services and improve access to quality healthcare for communities in the region. The organisation is dedicated to providing critical healthcare services, including maternal, newborn, and cutaneous leishmaniasis care, to those in need.
Q6: Where can I find more information on MSF’s work in Pakistan?
A6: For more information on MSF’s work in Pakistan, visit the organisation’s website or Watan News.
