Health minister reaffirms govt's pledge to Universal Health Coverage

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr Nadeem Jan has reiterated the government's commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens, pledging an equitable and accessible healthcare system across the country.

In a statement marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Dr Jan underscored the significance of health as a fundamental human right and the imperative for collaborative efforts to attain health coverage for everyone, leaving no one behind.

"This year's theme, 'Health for All: Time for Action,' resonates with our ongoing endeavors to build a healthier and more equitable society," stated the minister.

He said the challenges persist despite improvement in the UHC service coverage index from 40pc in 2015 to 52.7pc in 2023, calling for enhanced investment in essential health services at the community and primary healthcare levels, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and addressing equity issues.

Dr Jan highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to fortify the healthcare system, enhance infrastructure, and elevate the quality of healthcare services. He stressed the importance of UHC, indicating the Ministry of Health's involvement in implementing reforms to expand access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

"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," he declared.

The minister said the ministry had plans to upgrade approximately 500 Basic Health Units across the country under an agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Recognizing the disease burden in the country as crucial for effective health planning and resource allocation, he pointed out that while maternal and child health had significantly improved, the challenge involved addressing non-communicable diseases and mental health issues.

"On this UHC Day, we recommit ourselves to addressing the root causes of the burden and working collaboratively towards a healthier, more resilient society," affirmed Dr Jan. He expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and stakeholders involved in the pursuit of UHC.

Meanwhile, the Head of WHO Mission commended the Government of Pakistan for adopting the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach in building stronger, more resilient health systems to achieve the UHC goal.

He said this collaborative effort aims to extend essential health services to more people, empowering them to participate in decisions affecting their health and well-being, adding the WHO has been working hand-in-hand with the health ministry to expand UHC, with a particular focus on primary healthcare.