Public-private partnerships key to healthcare access: Minister Kamal

April 21, 2025 (MLN): The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Pakistan, said Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal.

Speaking at the 6th International Medical Research Conference (IMRC), the Minister stated, “Both the public and private sectors will, Insha’Allah, work aggressively and collaboratively to bring essential health services to the doorstep of every citizen, especially the common Pakistani.”

He acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in Pakistan’s health landscape, adding, “We deeply value and recognize the contributions of the private sector."

"It is a critical pillar of our healthcare delivery system, and we view its efforts with great appreciation.”

The Minister went on to assure participants that the recommendations and research emerging from private institutions will be taken seriously.

He said these will be incorporated into Pakistan’s national health policy, reinforcing the government’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Mr. Syed Mustafa Kamal, emphasized the urgent need to translate health research into actionable policies.

He made these remarks during his keynote address at a prestigious gathering organized by the Health Research Advisory Board (Health RAB) in Karachi.

Speaking at the 6th International Medical Research Conference (IMRC), held at the Gates Pharma Auditorium, the Minister noted, “There is no shortage of research in Pakistan’s health sector. The real issue is implementation.”

The conference brought together key stakeholders from across Pakistan’s health landscape, according to the press release.

Participants included officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, public and private hospitals, and academic institutions.

Highlighting the pressing healthcare challenges in Pakistan, Mr. Kamal stated that technology and mobile phones hold the key to solving many of the country’s health issues.

He expressed concern over the overburdened tertiary care hospitals, which he said are catering to nearly 70% of patients due to insufficient primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure.

He concluded with a reflection on the gravity of his portfolio: “The Ministry of Health is a tough responsibility. When dealing with human lives, there is no room for error.”

The 6th IMRC continues to serve as a pivotal platform for advancing the health research ecosystem in Pakistan, with a focus on the integration of research, technology, and patient safety.

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