“Currently, 35 counselling centers are active under authority of PIHO across the country,” said Habibollah Samie said. He added the main activity undertaken by the counseling centers was to strengthen the family foundation for resolving problems and overcoming challenges in areas oil-rich areas and surroundings.  

Samie said: “Under the 6th [Five-Year] Development Plan, the Ministry of Petroleum is required to provide healthcare services to areas where petroleum industry development projects are under way.”

He underlined the need for social responsibility on the part of the Ministry of Petroleum in the 6th Development Plan, saying: “Under this plan, the Ministry of Petroleum is tasked with put efforts into providing healthcare services to local residents of areas where development activities are under way.”

Noting that important activities have been done in the healthcare sector, Samie called for the allocation of time for outlining problems and challenges in PIHO-run areas. 

He added that the forthcoming seminar had to focus in a more transparent manner on social responsibility and consider a special place for providing healthcare activities.