Pakistan's focus on rural healthcare, health equity gains attention

March 29, 2024 (MLN): Pakistan's commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, including rural healthcare, health equity, and medical professional shortages, reflects the urgent need for healthcare system transformation, a press statement released yesterday noted.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday expressed confidence in the government's strategic approach to raising awareness, enhancing access, and utilizing data for healthcare decisions.

The World Federation for Medical Education's recognition of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) underscores Pakistan's dedication to healthcare and medical education excellence.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Speaking at a ceremony celebrating this achievement, Minister Ahsan Iqbal praised the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in improving medical education and healthcare delivery standards in Pakistan.

He noted significant progress in healthcare indicators, including a 3.5% increase in life expectancy and a 15% decrease in infant mortality rate over the past decade.

The number of healthcare facilities also rose by 20% from 2007 to 2017, totaling 7,089 facilities.

The minister highlighted the need for unified efforts to achieve the country’s health roadmap, focusing on reducing healthcare access disparities, expanding services, and realizing universal healthcare.

He emphasized doctors' role in advocating for increased government funding and better working conditions in public health facilities.

Drawing lessons from other countries, Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged prioritizing preventative measures (Singapore, Japan), telemedicine (Norway, Estonia), drug price negotiation (Canada, New Zealand), and mandatory health insurance (Germany, Switzerland).

Ahsan Iqbal concluded by congratulating PM&DC on its accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education, heralding a brighter future for medical education in Pakistan.

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