Symposium at University of Karachi addresses terrible health situation

KARACHI: The deplorable health status reflects that our political elite does not place a high focus on health. In the past seventy-five years of Pakistan's history, the health sector has received the smallest budget.

"We lag below even South Asia in all critical health measures, including life expectancy, infant mortality rate, stunting, and malnutrition. We have failed to supply potable drinking water to the bulk of our population as a nuclear power."

"Our deteriorating health indicators are evidence of false promises, failed policies, lack of political will, corruption in the system, nepotism in postings and transfers in the health sector, malpractices of health professionals, allocation of funds and procurement of medicines, equipment on political grounds, and a dearth of qualified physicians."

Dr Syed Tipu Sultan, a renowned physician and civil society activist, expressed these views while delivering the seminar "Health for All" to students, faculty, and members of civil society in conjunction with the fourth Sheikh Mutahir Ahmed Memorial Lecture series at the University of Karachi's Arts and Social Sciences Auditorium.

He informed the audience that a medical mafia compromises the profession's oath, dignity, and sanctity for its financial benefit. As a community, nation, and state, we have failed to provide our populace with basic healthcare facilities, as required by our constitution, as well as to meet our international obligations and achieve our sustainable development goals.

Dr Sultan stated that there is a lack of political will at the federal, provincial, and local levels while discussing the immediate and underlying causes of the failure of Pakistan's healthcare system. 
Comparing the healthcare systems of Bangladesh and Pakistan, Dr Sultan stated that Bangladesh has a controlled population growth rate, decreased infant mortality rate, and effective drug and medical regulatory agencies.

"It is a disgrace for us that Sri Lanka is far ahead of us in every key health index." They have improved their maternal health facilities, decreased infant mortality, and prevented the spread of pseudoscience inside the health care system."

According to him, governments in both the developed and developing worlds have created advanced tertiary healthcare institutions and assumed ownership, authority, and direction in the sector. 
However, the situation is different in Pakistan.

He asserted that government regulatory agencies are crooked and that due to the entrenched interests of a few, they are gambling with valuable lives and jeopardizing the health of everyone. 
Institutionalized corruption has permeated the health department.

He described policy initiatives and solutions to enhance the healthcare system in Sindh and Pakistan. 
To promote new debate and discussion over healthcare facilities, he suggested that health awareness and political will would be essential urgent moves in the correct path.

In addition, he stated that Civil and Jinnah hospitals must be established as tertiary healthcare facilities in all seven districts of Karachi. According to Dr Sultan, private hospitals and healthcare facilities are commendable undertakings, but the government is responsible for providing basic healthcare.

During her introductory remarks, Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum, Chairperson of the Department of International Relations, underlined that the concerns of the modern world are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation. She stated that we live in a post-Covid-19 world, which necessitates coordination and collaboration between all nations. A healthy population, according to her, is a prerequisite for economic and political stability.