President Dr. Arif Alvi briefed about Health Ministry

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Currently over 3.2 million families living below the poverty line have been provided health insurance cover under the Prime Minister’s National Health Program, President Dr. Arif Alvi was told in a high-level briefing at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The briefing was given by the Secretary Health Captain (retd) Zahid Saeed to the president about the regulatory and coordination functions of the ministry.

It was informed that the program is being expanded to cover the entire country as per directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The president affirmed his all-out support in uplifting the health sector and in overcoming challenges impeding its progress. He emphasized that proper coordination with the provinces should be ensured for the provision of quality healthcare to all the people in Pakistan.

Dr. Arif Alvi said that we must focus on preventive health care and include it in all policies, strategies, and plans since it is the most cost-effective approach in reducing the incidence of disease and ensuring a healthy population.

Prime Minister’s National Health Program being expanded to cover entire Country: Ministry

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 Ulema in encouraging organ donation and population planning.

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

The president stressed on assigning timelines to all initiatives being taken by the Health Ministry and that progress should be visible within these timelines.

The Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Aamer Mehmood Kiani and senior officials of the ministry were also present in the meeting.