WHEN asked about the criteria for determining a person’s value, Hazrat Ali (AS) responded, “Sense of responsibility.” This echoes the Holy Prophet’s (SAW) assertion that any ruler in the government of Muslims must fight with dedication and sincerity to fulfil their responsibilities, or they will not enter Paradise with the Muslims.
The progress of a nation is intricately linked to advancements in the health and education sectors. Development in these areas paves the way for societal growth. On 18 August 2023, Dr Nadeem Jan (Tamgha Imtiaz) (Sitara Imtiaz) assumed the role of Federal Minister of Health. An internationally recognized public health expert, he has contributed to the health sector in various countries, earning the Tamgha Imtiaz in 2018.
According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan’s health system is ranked 124 out of 169 countries, with only one percent of GDP allocated for health. Dr Nadeem Jan, upon taking office, initiated extensive reforms in the health sector, guided by a three-point agenda: reforms, commitment, and enhancing the country’s prestige. Recognizing Pakistan’s untapped potential, he emphasized the need for a coordinated and effective strategy to address infectious diseases and prevent other health issues.
Pakistan faces significant challenges, such as being the second-largest country in terms of hepatitis C patients. To combat this, the Ministry of Health is launching a National Hepatitis Program worth 34.5 billion, inaugurated by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar. The program aims to conduct hepatitis C screening and treatment at the government level.
Additionally, Pakistan grapples with a high incidence of diabetes, with 1,100 daily deaths and one-third of the population affected. A 6.8 billion-dollar Diabetes Program has been initiated, focusing on preventive measures. In this regard, a PC-1 has been developed. The Ministry of Health is also working on strengthening the Primary Healthcare Services by launching the National Health Support Program, costing 430 million dollars. This initiative prioritizes maternal health through primary care, ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines and reducing the neonatal mortality rate, which is currently 42 deaths per 1000 live births.
Remarkably, the Ministry of Health is implementing a rapid and cost-effective project, constructing 500 modern basic health centers within two months. Launched on November 8, 2023, with the support of the WHO, this project will be completed in January 2024 while the government bears no cost for this initiative, showcasing effective collaboration and a commitment to public wellbeing.
Strengthening the system will boost the referral system. The burden of patients in hospitals will be reduced. About 12 to 15 thousand patients who come for treatment at PIMS, the largest government hospital in Islamabad. According to an estimate, 60 percent of patients come from other cities for treatment. Additionally, six to seven thousand patients come for treatment at the Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital every day. In these big hospitals, patients suffering from cold, cough, fever and other diseases also come for treatment which can be treated at the primary healthcare level. If our basic health centres are fully functional and almost at the primary level, more than seventy diseases can be treated. It is an undeniable fact that without strengthening the primary healthcare system, improvement in the health sector is inevitable.
All primary health centres in Islamabad are being developed on modern lines, so that the treatment facilities are available to the people at their doorsteps. The government is ensuring full practical measures to ensure universal health coverage. Dr. Nadeem Jan has announced the establishment of pharma parks in the country under which local production of medicines will get a major boost and the country’s exports in this sector will increase to 2 billion dollars. The Federal Minister plans to host the world’s first Global Health Security Summit in Islamabad in January 2024 to bring countries of the world together and highlight Pakistan’s leadership in the health sector. The summit will create a collective strategy to deal with the impact of pandemics and natural disasters, increasing the effectiveness and importance of global health security.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Health’s efforts, guided by a sense of responsibility and commitment, reflect a commitment to human rights. Strengthening the primary healthcare system is deemed essential for overall improvement in the health sector, aligning with the Quranic principles of doing good deeds. May Allah grant everyone the opportunity to fulfil their responsibilities in a righteous manner.
—The writer is PRO to Health Minister.
views expressed are writer’s own.
