Inter-provincial meeting: Provinces to get units to monitor, implement SDGs

Health ministers of all provinces agree to accelerate crackdown against spurious drugs

The manufacturers want at least a 15% across-the-board increase in prices to make up for the cost increase it has absorbed in the last 12 years. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:
In order to ensure effective implementation of sustainable development goals across the country, the government will form special monitoring units in all provinces.

This was decided in a high level inter-ministerial meeting of health ministers in Islamabad on Tuesday which had been chaired by the Minister of National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar.

The meeting discussed measures to strengthen inter-provincial coordination mechanisms for achieving health and population planning goals with specific focus on targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To accelerate implementation of SDGs, all provinces, GB and AJK agreed to nominate focal persons. Moreover, the meeting resolved to establish a SDG monitoring and implementation units in all provinces, similar to the one which had been established at the federal level. The purpose of the unit would be to help achieve health-related SDG targets.


The meeting reiterated its decision to accelerate a nationwide crackdown against spurious drugs and to take action against manufacturers.

Addressing the meeting, the minister said provision of quality, affordable and accessible health services to the masses was top most priority of the government in the health sector.

Tarar said that provision of quality, affordable and accessible health services to the public was their top priority.

“It is critical that the federation and provinces work hand-in-hand as a team to make healthcare facilities accessible,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2016.
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