ISLAMABAD: As per vision of the Prime Minister Islamic Republic of Pakistan's vision for healthcare sector, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has introduced a transformative initiative aimed at aligning medical and public health education with the country's primary healthcare needs. This initiative is designed to address the pressing requirement for primary care, particularly for underserved populations.
The PMDC has mandated all medical and dental colleges in Pakistan to establish fully operational public health centers. This directive underscores the commitment to improving public health services and making healthcare more accessible to marginalized communities.
These public health centers will function as crucial hubs for community health services, preventive care, and public health research, in accordance with the national health policy. They will not only benefit local populations but also provide medical students with valuable hands-on experience in public health practice, thus enriching their education and professional growth.
The PMDC's vision includes these centers playing a key role in public health education, disease prevention, and community engagement. Each center will be equipped with necessary medical facilities and staffed by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive healthcare services are available to the public.
Medical colleges are required to comply with this directive within the specified timeline. The PMDC will closely monitor the progress and operational status of these centers to ensure they meet the required standards of service and care. The incorporation of public health initiatives into medical training aims to foster a healthier nation.
Additionally, a recent meeting was held between PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj and Dr. Luo Dapeng, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan, at the National Institute of Health. The discussion focused on aligning medical and public health education and training with the country's primary healthcare needs.
In a press release, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj announced that the PMDC has decided that all medical and dental colleges must either establish outreach centers at their affiliated teaching hospitals or collaborate with existing Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) in their regions. This collaboration is intended to enhance practical training, community health improvement, research, data collection, and public education.
Prof. Dr. Taj emphasized that the PMDC believes this initiative will significantly benefit both educational institutions and the communities they serve. All medical and dental colleges are urged to embrace this opportunity to advance community health and improve the practical training of future healthcare professionals.
To support this initiative, an expert committee on family medicine and primary health care has been constituted.