Evidence-based solutions for family planning unveiled

Govt committed to enhancing nation's health indicators, says minister

ISLAMABAD:

Increased investment in family planning programmes, voucher schemes, and private sector engagement were some of the best practices discussed at a seminar in Islamabad on Pakistan’s pursuit of improved family planning and sustainable population growth.

The seminar on high-impact practices was organised by the Pakistan chapter of the New York-headquartered Population Council with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Federal and provincial government officials, representatives of international organisations, donor agencies, and civil society organizations attended the seminar.

Read ‘Involve private sector in family planning services’

The discussion emphasised the importance of enhanced funding, subsidised services through voucher schemes, strengthening community-based health system through Community Midwives (CMWs), and the active engagement of the private health sector.

Federal Minister for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Dr Nadeem Jan said the government remained committed to enhancing the nation's health indicators. He stressed the need to invest in strengthening data systems to gauge the programmatic progress. "We are dedicated to improving access to family planning services through the implementation of high-impact practices and achieving short-term outcomes.”

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2023.