ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan said the government was committed to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens.
He said, in a message, on the occasion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on Tuesday.
“UHC Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of health as a fundamental human right and the need for collective efforts to achieve health coverage for everyone, leaving no one behind.”
The minister said, “This year’s theme, ‘Health for All: Time for Action’ resonates with our ongoing efforts to build a healthier and more equitable society.”
He said currently, about half of Pakistan’s population has access to essential health services.
He said that despite the considerable improvement in the UHC service coverage index from 40% in 2015 to 52.7% in 2023, the real challenge still lies ahead.
Dr Nadeem Jan said, “With our expected enhanced investment in essential health services at the community and primary healthcare levels, we need to ensure efficiency and effectiveness while addressing equity issues.”
He said that the government has been working tirelessly to strengthen the healthcare system, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of services.
The Ministry of Health has implemented various UHC reforms aimed at expanding healthcare access to vulnerable populations.
He added that Universal Health Coverage is a key pillar of our commitment to the well-being of our citizens.
“Our focus is on building a robust and resilient healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of our population.”
Approximately 500 Basic Health Units across the country will be upgraded in a short time under an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The minister said that understanding the disease burden in the country is crucial for effective health planning and resource allocation.
He said data shows significantly improved performance in maternal and child health, with the forthcoming challenge of tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health issues.
Dr Nadeem Jan said, “On this UHC Day, we recommit ourselves to addressing the root causes of the burden and working collaboratively towards a healthier, more resilient society.”
He encouraged citizens to actively participate in promoting their health and well-being, recognizing that a healthy population is crucial for the overall development of the nation.
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