Pakistan has become the first country in the world to develop an essential package for health services whilst adopting global best practices with localised evidence.
The package was developed on Thursday as the ministry of national health services, regulations and coordination (NHSR&C), in partnership with the provincial and area health departments and partners finalised an evidence-based Universal Health Coverage (UHC) benefits package.
The inter-ministerial health and population forum met in Islamabad on Thursday and reviewed the package.
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that Pakistan is the first country in the world to have used localised evidence on the burden of disease and cost data to develop an essential package of health services.
“Achievement of this milestone and implementation of the package in the future will help the country improve health outcomes and make speedy progress towards UHC,” he said, adding that they now have to move together towards the delivery of this package.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said that universal health coverage is at the centre of all efforts for developing the nation.
“Prioritizing investments in essential health services will bear dividends that will help in taking the country and province forward,” she said.
“Health is a human right and quality essential health services should be available to everyone, every time, with a special focus on equity for the most vulnerable in society,” said Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Minister Dr Taimoor Jhagra said that investments in the provision of essential health services underpin the reforms that the health care system in Pakistan has been seeking.
“UHC package provides the opportunity to reform our healthcare system,” he said.
Dr Rubaba Buledi, Balohicstan’s parliamentary secretary for health, said that her province needs investment in health and reaching out to every member of our society is a responsibility that they feel strongly about and will ensure all efforts are made to take forward the cause of health of our people.
“UHC package underpinned by evidence is critical for Gilgit-Baltistan considering its difficult terrain and challenges of the health system,” said Gilgit-Baltistan’s Health Minister Dr Imam Yar Baig, adding that the package will go a long way in achieving the region’s health goals.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2020.
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