‘Strengthening Universal Health Coverage Is My Top Agenda’

APP

Islamabad: With the growth of the population, diseases are also increasing, and resources are limited to tackle them. Therefore, a revolutionary Pharma Pakistan project has been initiated to reduce the burden on large hospitals, and 460 primary health centres will be revamped nationwide, said Health Minister.

“Strengthening universal health coverage is my top agenda,” he said.

Health Caretaker Federal Minister Dr Nadeem Jan further said that the foundation of a robust healthcare system has been laid under the agenda of Global Health Security to prevent the spread of cross-border diseases. The Pharma Pakistan project will enhance the provision of medicines permanently.

Moreover, the Interim Minister informed that a plan is in place to promote vaccine production in Pakistan.

Minister Jan mentioned that a mechanism has been established to monitor the functionality of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).A comprehensive plan has been devised to eliminate counterfeit and unregistered drugs.

Moreover, merit and transparency are being promoted in the field of medical education and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is mandated to ensure this, further said Federal Minister.

He said that reforms are underway in the Pakistan Nursing Council and an online system has been introduced to ensure transparency in PMDC.

Furthermore, a mobile application has been launched for the resolution of public complaints.

The National Health Task Force is fully active across the country. The health card system has been expanded in this regard.

The pharmacy system in hospitals is being computerised. A specialised and general medicine department has been formed to control and prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Efforts are being made to strengthen the health system through the National Health Support Program, Minister Nadeem mentioned.

Jan informed that the Health Advisory Council has been established for the betterment of the health sector. We are strengthening the Border Health Service to keep the public safe from diseases, he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Nadeem Jan reviewed the construction work of Polyclinic G-11/3 expansion project II and directed to complete the project in two years instead of three.

Dr Jan said that slowness and delay in construction work will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Such public welfare projects should be completed on time, he added.

Dr Nadeem inspected the Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPH) hospital’s expansion project on Thursday, where he was briefed by the concerned authorities about the project.

The construction of the hospital will not only benefit the citizens of Islamabad and surrounding areas; rather, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will also be able to benefit, he further stated.

The expansion project consists of 300 beds. The hospital will provide facilities for diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, maternity care, allergies, bone and joint problems, chest and heart diseases and skin issues.

Minister told that we are making progress in the short-term mission of reform.