Minister endorses WHO report on health sector

Patel says essential health package to be implemented this year

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel on Tuesday said that Pakistan was committed to improving the health outcomes of the country’s people, building together a healthier, safer, and fairer world.

Addressing the World Health Assembly in Geneva, the minister said that the anniversary of WHO signifies an important moment in global collaboration when countries of the world came together and founded WHO, to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, a statement said.

“We highly appreciate and endorse the DG WHO report, which has outlined the key priorities to be focused upon within the health sector that is, enhancing Universal Health Coverage, tackling health emergencies and ensuring the health and well-being of our people.”

He added, “In this regard, we endorse the recommendation of the report. We believe, that it would be critical for reorienting health systems to primary health care, as a resilient foundation for universal health coverage, by integrating within it protection from health emergencies, increasing access to quality drugs, strengthening diagnostics capacity, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and mental health as well as strengthening rehabilitation services in health systems.”

He said Pakistan had now moved towards the implementation of its essential package of health services during 2023, with enhanced investments by the government while some of the financial gaps were filled by the development partners.

Considering the health workforce crises in Pakistan, the government has decided to increase the number of community-based lady health workers from 89,000 to 135,000 within five years, he added.