ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the government’s efforts to reform the healthcare sector, prioritising primary and secondary healthcare services, Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan says Pakistan needs to strengthen the components of Universal Health Coverage, by expanding the population coverage, diversifying service delivery and reducing cost-sharing burdens.
Addressing a presser, the minister affirmed his commitment to expediting the implementation of vital reforms within the health sector and emphasised the pivotal role of robust health and education systems in achieving holistic social development.
He pointed out that a landmark agreement signed between the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to upgrade 500 Basic Health Units (BHU) nationwide, fostering a more resilient primary healthcare system and ensuring accessible quality healthcare services nationwide.
The agreement, endorsed in the presence of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, is set to address the prevailing healthcare disparities in remote regions of Pakistan.
Dr Jan outlined his Digital Health Strategy, which seeks to digitise the entire healthcare system, enhancing the health ministry’s planning and decision-making capabilities. This progressive initiative aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery throughout the country.
He also highlighted governance reforms, including establishing an Accountability Cell, Grievance Cell, Transfer and Posting Cell, Foreign Visits Committee, and Internal Audit mechanisms in the ministry, to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Prioritising self-reliance in medicine and vaccine production through local efforts, he said the ministry is actively pursuing technology transfers from various countries and international organisations.
Dr Nadeem Jan stressed the need for a merit-based and transparent system in the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to enhance the global recognition of the country’s medical degrees, enabling local healthcare professionals to seek employment opportunities and advanced training abroad.
The minister said these initiatives have yielded a substantial reduction in medicine prices, ensuring uninterrupted medicine supply through a comprehensive policy. The implementation of a dedicated app for the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) aims to effectively address public complaints, he added.
Moreover, he said, the National Health Support Programme, valued at $432 million, seeks to strengthen the healthcare system, providing vital immunisation, tuberculosis nutrition, antenatal care facilities, HPV vaccines for cervical cancer prevention, and an electronic registration system for immunisation centres.
In a groundbreaking step, the ministry has introduced 400 solar-powered immunisation centres nationwide, while also initiating the computerisation of the pharmacy system in hospitals. Efforts to resolve longstanding challenges, such as the absence of an MRI machine in PIMS hospital, and the introduction of a clinical audit system, and patient exit interviews in hospitals, underscore the commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
The ministry has also devised a robust plan to combat Hepatitis C, fortify Border Health Services, and align the National Health Organization with international standards. Promoting a culture of research in the healthcare sector remains a core focus of the health ministry's initiatives.