PM Abbasi directs ministry to expand National Health Programme

Abbasi told the ministry to simplify regulatory mechanisms for registration of drug and pricing

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on Friday, directed the Ministry of National Health Services to formulate a comprehensive plan to expand Prime Minister's National Health programme.

The premiere gave the orders in meeting at the Prime Minister’s office with Saira Afzal Tarar, minister of National Health Services and other senior officials. He was also briefed on Drug Pricing Policy, Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Prime Minister’s Programme for the treatment of Fatal diseases, financial sustainability of immunisation services of women and children under National Immunisation Support Programme.



Abbasi told the ministry to simplify regulatory mechanism for the registration of drug and pricing to facilitate drugs manufacturers and make a win-win situation for consumers and drugs manufacturers and importers.

Comprehensive proposals should be placed before the Cabinet and necessary legislation, in case needed, be put in place for addressing the issues being faced vis-à-vis further facilitating drugs regulatory regime in the country, the prime minister’s office quoted Abbasi.

Abbasi also took note of the backlog in registration and price fixation of various drugs, directing the ministry to present a roadmap within 24 hours with specified timelines to clear the backlog.



Lauding the National Health Programme, the prime minister directed the ministry to work closely with provincial governments to expand its outreach.