Pakistan: the Faisalabad Obstetric Flying Squad

The Faisalabad Obstetric Flying Squad was established in 1988 and provides access to emergency obstetric services for the poor women of Faisalabad. The service is highly appreciated by both women and participating dais. The latter receive training from the Mother and Child Welfare Association of Faisalabad and form an integral part of the obstetric care team. While problems in accessing communication facilities exist, the project has made a lasting impact on the provision of emergency obstetric services in the city. Improved recording and reporting mechanisms would permit a more precise assessment of the impact of the service on the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality. It would also permit an assessment of the operating costs of the service. One of the reasons the service functions effectively is that it is fully integrated into the general operations of the Allied Hospital. If similar institutional mechanisms can be established there is good reason to think that the Faisalabad Obstetric Flying Squad could be replicated in other developing country settings.