Alvi suggests cost-effective approach against diseases

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  • President asks religious scholars to encourage organ donation, population planning

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday said that the focus must be made upon the preventive healthcare by including it in all policies, strategies and plans as it was the most cost-effective approach in reducing the incidence of disease and ensuring a healthy population.

He was chairing a high-level briefing at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail was also present. Federal Minister for National Health Services Aamer Mehmood Kiani elaborated broad contours of the vision of the government related to the provision of accessible and equitable quality healthcare for all.

President Alvi advised the ministry to work closely with the Ministry of Information to create public awareness through behavioural change communication, through effective utilization of electronic media, as well as involving religious scholars in encouraging organ donation and population planning.

He underscored the need to uplift the pharmaceutical sector to enhance exports in this sector which has immense potential and advised the ministry to take necessary measures for the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to meet WHO standards. He affirmed his all-out support in uplifting the health sector and in overcoming challenges impeding its progress.

He also emphasised that the proper coordination with the provinces should be ensured for the provision of quality healthcare to all people. President Alvi stressed on assigning timelines to all initiatives being taken by the Health Ministry so that progress should be made visible. Earlier, a detailed briefing was given to the president by Health Secretary Zahid Saeed.

He was informed about the regulatory and coordination functions of the Ministry on Prime Minister’s National Health Programme and it was shared that currently over 3.2 million families living below the poverty line had been provided health insurance cover. It was informed that the programme was being expanded to cover the entire country as per directions of the prime minister.

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