Minister unveils historic healthcare reforms
The healthcare system in Manaus, Brazil, is under huge strain because of surging virus numbers. PHOTO: AFP
Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan Thursday shared details of his landmark initiative to upgrade 500 Basic Health Units across the country under an agreement between his ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO) signed earlier this week at the PM Office witnessed by Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar.
The initiative will strengthen the primary healthcare system across the country in the true sense and ensure quality healthcare at people’s doorsteps, shared by the minister, adding that it will effectively address feelings of deprivation in far-flung areas of Pakistan. The initiative will tangibly reduce the burden on hospitals and thus will improve the quality of service delivery across the health system.
The agreement, witnessed by the prime minister and Health Minister Dr Jan, was signed on Monday by Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Country Representative in Pakistan, and Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shallwani.
Dr Jan shared that he assumed office in August this year and immediately embarked on a reform agenda aimed at strengthening the healthcare system. His “Digital Health Strategy” seeks to digitise the entire healthcare system, starting with the Ministry of Health, to enhance planning and decision-making capabilities. The nationwide rollout of this initiative promises to revolutionise healthcare delivery.
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In the Ministry of Health, Dr Jan introduced fundamental governance reforms, including the establishment of an accountability cell, grievance cell, transfer and posting cell, foreign visits committee, and internal audit mechanisms. Promoting self-reliance in medicine and vaccine production through local efforts is a top priority. He is actively seeking technology transfer from various countries and international organisations.
He is dedicated to implementing a merit-based and transparent system in the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, enhancing the quality of medical education in collaboration with the World Federation of Medical Education to increase the global recognition of Pakistani medical degrees.
His efforts aim to enable Pakistani doctors and nurses to easily work abroad and receive advanced training.
Dr Jan’s initiatives have led to a substantial reduction in medicine prices, a successful strategy for uninterrupted medicine supply. A major initiative was the formulation of a comprehensive medicine policy. He has also introduced a special app for the Drug Regulatory Authority to address public complaints effectively.
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He has launched a National Health Support Programme worth $432 million to strengthen the healthcare system, providing immunization, TB nutrition, antenatal care facilities to the masses, HPV vaccines for cervical cancer prevention, and an electronic registration system in immunization centres are other key initiatives undertaken during his tenure. The introduction of 400 solar-powered immunisation centres across the country is a ground-breaking step, it was shared.
Dr Jan’s integrated approach to polio and other immunisation programmes, coupled with public awareness strategies in affected districts, aims to eradicate the last remnants of poliovirus. A modern eco-friendly incinerator for medical waste disposal has also been established.
Under his leadership, the computerisation of the pharmacy system in hospitals has been initiated. The long-standing issue of the lack of an MRI machine in PIMS hospital has been resolved, and a clinical audit system and patient exit interviews are being introduced in hospitals.
Additionally, he has formulated an effective plan to prevent Hepatitis C, strengthen border health services to prevent cross-border disease spread and align the National Health Organisation with international requirements.
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Dr Jan places great importance on the Global Health Security Agenda. He is organising the world’s first Global Health Security Summit in Islamabad to unite countries worldwide and devise a collective strategy to combat epidemics and natural disasters, elevating the significance of global health security.
Promoting a culture of research in the healthcare sector is another key commitment of the health minister. He has directed uniform quality treatment throughout the country under the Sehat Sahulat Programme and introduced the National Health Card App for public convenience.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2023.