ICRS offers to help federal health institutions in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has offered its assistance to the government of Pakistan to improve the country's health system by enhancing the capability of federal health institutions.

Officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pakistan offered their assistance to Abdul Qadir Patel, Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, at a meeting to explore a healthcare partnership.

In addition, the delegation advocated for strengthening federal and provincial regulations about preserving healthcare and improving physical rehabilitation services across the nation.

Both stakeholders also agreed to pursue a strengthened relationship and cooperative initiatives aimed at improving the health indices in the country, with a particular emphasis on the needs of disabled individuals.

Representatives of the ICRC briefed the minister on the organization's humanitarian activities in Pakistan, focusing on its physical rehabilitation programme and the need for enhanced healthcare protection.

Qadir Patel acknowledged the ICRC's humanitarian assistance throughout the years and reaffirmed the Pakistani government's commitment to delivering universal health care to all citizens.

He stressed the need to do more to assist people with disabilities, promote their social integration, and provide a safer and more robust working environment for healthcare professionals in the country.

The minister assured the ICRC team of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination's support for the organization's humanitarian efforts.

The delegation enlightened the minister that the ICRC collaborates with health authorities and local partners in Pakistan to strengthen the country's healthcare sector through various initiatives, such as providing physical rehabilitation services and facilitating community first aid training.

Under its HCID project, the ICRC supports evidence-based solutions in conjunction with government health departments, major universities, and public hospitals to combat violence against healthcare workers and institutions.

Jamal Khan, Deputy Head of Delegation, Dr Mirwais Khan, Head of the Healthcare in Danger (HCID) Initiative, and Imad Aldibee, Program Manager for the ICRC's Physical Rehabilitation programme in Pakistan, comprised the ICRC delegation.

Dr Seemin Jamali, the former executive director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, accompanied the delegation.