Interprovincial huddle: Ministers vow to improve healthcare quality

Provincial representatives express concerns over population growth

ISLAMABAD: At an inter provincial meeting of health and population ministers  chaired  by Federal Health Minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani, a joint commitment was expressed by all ministers to work closely to improve the quality of health care in the country.

The meeting was convened to discuss key issues related to health of the people of Pakistan. Leaders of all provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) attended the meeting.

The Health Minister said he will discuss the enhancement of budgetary allocation with Prime Minster Imran Khan. All provincial ministers and secretaries agreed that health will be kept above political priorities and in the general interest of people.

It was the first meeting of ‘Inter-Provincial Health and Population Strategic Forum’ since the formation of new government attended by all the Provincial Ministers and Secretaries.

“The priority of the present government is the welfare and improved health status of the people of Pakistan. All of us have been directed to serve the people and collectively we can achieve the result of ensuring good quality health services to all,” the Kiani stated.

Reviewing the latest results in the health sector, the discussion focused around the increasing cases of measles cases in the country, challenges in the population sector, nutrition crisis in the country and need for a renewed strategic thought in the health sector, while respecting the mandate of the provincial governments as a result of devolution.

The status of preparations for the measles campaign was reviewed and all provincial ministers strived for 100 percent coverage in measles campaign. It was decided that highest political offices at the federal and provincial levels will be involved along with strong oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Concerns were expressed on the high population growth rate in the country. A renewed priority especially to the lady health workers programme and improved availability of services at the health facility level were mutually agreed. Provincial ministers commented that the health workforce is a critical factor for provision of quality healthcare services and that the role of lady health workers, lady health visitors and nurses is of utmost importance. Federal Minister agreed to the proposal of provincial ministers to call another meeting in the future to discuss in detail the issue of lady health workers programme.

High level of stunting and under-nutrition in the country was an area of concern for all considering the latest data. The participants of the meeting agreed to form an ‘Emergency Nutrition Task Force’ with representation from provinces, to review and expand the response.

New approaches to strengthen the healthcare system in the country were also discussed including ‘Family Practice Approach’ and to develop an ‘essential package of health services’ which should be made available to all people in Pakistan. The forum agreed to prioritise provision of essential services through family physicians, while considering the best global practices.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2018.