Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Health to review the progress of ongoing health projects as well as to discuss challenges facing the sector. Attendees included the Federal Secretary of Health, Additional Secretary of Health, Director General of Health, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, Mustafa Kamal emphasized that decisions made by the Ministry of Health have a direct impact on people’s lives. He instructed that all ongoing health projects should be completed on a priority basis to ensure timely delivery of services. Kamal highlighted that Pakistan, as the world’s fifth most populous country, faces significant health challenges and stressed the urgent need to control the rapid population growth. He called for the development of effective policies aimed at reducing the population growth rate.
The Minister pointed out that hospitals often experience severe overcrowding, comparing the situation to the aftermath of a large political gathering. He noted that 68 percent of diseases in Pakistan stem from contaminated water and advocated for a greater focus on preventive measures, stating that prevention is better than cure. Kamal reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to protecting people from illness rather than only treating them after they fall sick.
Kamal also stressed the importance of strengthening routine immunization programs to protect children from twelve preventable diseases. He mentioned that while polio has been eliminated in most parts of the world except Pakistan and Afghanistan, efforts must continue to reinforce the vaccination system to shield children from the life-threatening virus.
Improving the basic health center system was another priority discussed at the meeting. Kamal outlined plans to ensure an effective referral system at these centers and highlighted the use of telemedicine projects to bring doctors and medicines to people’s doorsteps. The implementation of a health complaint management system was also mentioned as a step towards enhancing healthcare delivery.
The Minister concluded by urging officials to take effective measures to improve hospital performance and the existing health system, ensuring the provision of medical facilities within available resources. He called for a commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.
