Pakistan becomes 'factory producing patients,' says Kamal

Health minister says country's fertility rate 'unsustainable even with 10% GDP growth'

KARACHI:

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has warned that Pakistan is functioning as a "factory producing patients," with a system built on sick-care rather than preventive healthcare. He said genuine healthcare begins with safe childbirth, early immunisation and access to clean drinking water — basic services that remain absent for millions of Pakistanis.

Speaking at a private hospital during an event marking World Diabetes Day, the minister said Pakistan's population is growing at an alarming pace, adding the equivalent of New Zealand's population every year, while the country's overstretched health infrastructure is unable to cope.

At the event, Pakistan's first nurse-led diabetes expert course was launched. The six-month programme aims to train nurses in specialised diabetes care. Organisers said that Pakistan does not have a single expert diabetes nurse despite almost 33% of the population living with diabetes. "Every fourth Pakistani suffers from the disease, and most are undiagnosed," they said.

He said the country's fertility rate of 3.6 is unsustainable. "Even if GDP grows by 10%, it still won't be enough," he warned.