World Bank, Pakistan explore health, skills reforms

June 04, 2026 (MLN): Greater focus is being placed on strengthening Pakistan’s primary healthcare system through the adoption of digital solutions aimed at improving service delivery and overall efficiency.

This direction was highlighted during a meeting in Islamabad between Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi, where ongoing cooperation and future development priorities were reviewed.

During the discussions, Ahad Cheema stressed the need to enhance private sector participation in key social sectors, particularly healthcare and skills development, according to Radio Pakistan.

He also called for deeper engagement from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support improvements in healthcare delivery systems and industry-oriented skills initiatives.

Mamta Murthi briefed the minister on proposed interventions under the World Bank’s support framework for Pakistan, covering health, education, and broader human development sectors.

She outlined a proposed medium-term Health Compact focused on strengthening primary healthcare services, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and leveraging digital technologies to upgrade service delivery.

She also shared details of a potential Skills Development Program aimed at improving technical and vocational training, enhancing workforce readiness, and expanding employment opportunities for young people in Pakistan.

Ahad Cheema welcomed the proposed initiatives and emphasized that future development support should remain closely aligned with Pakistan’s national priorities.

Both sides reviewed progress under ongoing cooperation and explored new avenues for collaboration involving the government, the World Bank Group, and the private sector, with a focus on human capital development, skills enhancement, workforce readiness, and job creation.

The discussions concluded with a reaffirmation of continued partnership between Ahad Cheema, Mamta Murthi, the Government of Pakistan, and the World Bank Group to advance Pakistan’s human capital and long-term economic development goals.

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