President underlines significance of preventive health care for ensuring healthy population      

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Tuesday said focus must be made upon the preventive health care by including it in all policies, strategies and plans as it was the most cost-effective approach in reducing incidence of disease and ensuring a healthy population.

He was chairing a high level briefing at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Governor Sindh Imran Ismail was also present.

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Aamer Mehmood Kiani welcomed the President and elaborated broad contours of the vision of the government related to provision of accessible and equitable quality health care for all, a press release said.

The president advised the ministry to work closely with the ministry of information to create public awareness through behavioral change communication, through effective utilization of electronic media, as well as involving Ulemas in encouraging organ donation and population planning.

He underscored the need to uplift the pharmaceutical sector to enhance exports in this sector which has immense potential and advised the ministry to take necessary measures for Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to meet WHO standards.

The president affirmed his all out support in uplifting the health sector and in overcoming challenges impeding its progress.

He also emphasized that proper coordination with the provinces should be ensured for the provision of quality healthcare to all people in Pakistan.

The president stressed on assigning time-lines to all initiatives being taken by the Health Ministry so that progress should be made visible .

Earlier, a detailed briefing was given to the President by secretary Health, Capt. retired Zahid Saeed. He was informed about the regulatory and coordination functions of the Ministry on Prime Minister’s National Health Programme and it was shared that currently over 3.2 million families living below the poverty line had been provided health insurance cover.

It was further informed that the programme was being expanded to cover the entire country as per directions of the prime minister.