Quetta: The Balochistan government has launched a major school nutrition initiative worth Rs. 1.58 billion to provide meals to primary school students in Quetta, aiming to improve child health and address nutritional deficiencies among schoolchildren.
The School Meal Program will initially be introduced as a pilot project in the provincial capital. According to official documents, the scheme carries a total estimated cost of Rs. 1.579 billion, while Rs. 315.9 million has been allocated for the current financial year.
The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to strengthen nutrition and healthcare services for children and mothers across Balochistan. Officials believe the program will help improve student health, encourage school attendance, and support the overall well-being of young children.
In addition to the school meal project, the government is implementing a Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Program valued at Rs. 2 billion. An amount of Rs. 228.8 million has been earmarked for the current year to support healthcare services for women and children.
The province is also investing in improving water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in schools through a separate Rs. 2 billion project. Under the current budget, Rs. 200 million has been allocated to enhance WASH infrastructure in educational institutions.
Furthermore, a Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health facility has been established at Eastern Bypass Quetta under a Rs. 400 million project, with half of the amount already allocated.
Provincial authorities say these initiatives reflect Balochistan’s growing focus on child nutrition, maternal healthcare, sanitation, and school-based welfare programs. The government has identified these sectors as priority areas to improve health outcomes and provide better services in underserved communities across the province.
