Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal has said that primary healthcare holds central importance in the health sector and the Government of Pakistan is giving special attention to strengthening this critical area.
Addressing a ceremony on primary healthcare in Islamabad, the minister said that while inauguration of large hospitals may appear politically attractive, the public primarily requires strong primary and secondary healthcare facilities. He noted that Pakistan’s population is increasing every year by a number equivalent to the population of New Zealand, placing additional pressure on the health system.
He stated that the government is providing free vaccination against 13 diseases across the country. Referring to developments after the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the telemedicine system has been introduced, and now specialized doctors are offering online consultations and prescribing medicines remotely. He emphasized that healthcare is a matter of national security and economic stability for any country, adding that reforming and improving Pakistan’s health system remains a key priority. “We have to shift the system from sick care to true healthcare,” he remarked.
The federal minister further said that Pakistan will soon begin local production of vaccines, describing vaccination as essential for protection against future diseases. He added that while immunization currently covers 13 diseases, the number of preventive vaccines in the national programme will be expanded in the near future.
He maintained that vaccination is a globally recognized tool for disease prevention and reiterated that the government is providing free immunization against 13 diseases. He also noted that the cervical cancer vaccine has been included in the national immunization programme.
