A healthy development

Federal and provincial governments have agreed on a common National Health Vision, applicable to the entire country

Whatever might ail the nation at an institutional level pales into insignificance when viewed through the prism of the physical health of the population generally. A range of factors contribute to the national ill health, from poverty in its many manifestations to bad planning, underfunding, worn-out or broken equipment — and a lack of vision. It is in the latter that an improvement in the health of the patient is to be both noted and welcomed. The federal and provincial governments have finally set aside their many complex differences and agreed on a common National Health Vision (NHV) that is applicable to the entire country. Universal access to primary healthcare at point of need is patchy, especially so for the most vulnerable in society — women and children — which the NHV specifically addresses. It also harmonises provincial and federal health policy frameworks to bring them in line with the international treaties to which Pakistan is a signatory, as well as global regulatory protocols.

The NHV was announced on August 30, and what was of particular note was that there was multi-stakeholder ownership of the document and that consultation had been wide and deep. This is long overdue, the last national health policy being approved in 2001 and since overtaken by events such as the 18^th Amendment that devolved responsibility to the provinces for health service delivery. Much as devolution may be desirable, it brings with it a host of complex issues that are not easily resolved. Whilst we wish a robust life to this development, there are caveats around implementation. It is going to require close and transparent coordination between agencies that historically have either not had to work together, or if they have, not worked together well. The last hurdle to be cleared is a submission to the Council of Common Interests. We trust it will have smooth passage and a win-win is in prospect that is to the benefit of all.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2016.

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