Federal Health Minister Stresses Shift from Sick-Care to True Health-Care System
Islamabad :- Federal Health Minister, Mustafa Kamal, while addressing the ceremony of a pilot project on adolescent nutrition and maternal health, stressed that Pakistan must urgently shift from a sick-care system to a true health-care system that prioritizes prevention.
Quoting health experts, the Minister said that 68% of diseases in Pakistan are linked to contaminated water. “If we ensure access to safe drinking water, we can eliminate 68% of diseases,” he remarked, adding that the country still lacks an effective sewage treatment system. “Sewage treatment must be made a core part of our national health policies,” he emphasized. Shedding light on other pressing challenges, the Minister stated:
Pakistan’s population growth rate stands at 3.6% annually, one of the highest in the region, putting immense pressure on resources and the health sector. 43% of children are suffering from stunting, a direct result of poor nutrition and environmental factors. Pakistan ranks first in the region for Hepatitis C cases and is still battling polio.
Hospitals continue to face an increasing daily patient burden.
“The current system waits for people to get sick before taking action. This is not healthcare, it is sick-care,” Kamal said. “A true health-care system focuses on preventing illness. Prevention is always better than cure.”
The Minister warned that under the current system, Pakistan will never reach the point where the state can treat every patient. He called on all health-related authorities to review and redesign their policies with a focus on prevention, safe environments, clean drinking water, and population control.
“The Ministry of Health is giving special attention to preventive measures and is working to transform our system from sick-care into real health-care,” he affirmed. “Building a healthier Pakistan requires sustainable, forward-looking policies that promote healthy environments and protect people before they fall ill.”
Concluding his address, the Minister appealed to all stakeholders to join hands in creating a healthier society.
“A sustainable, healthy Pakistan is only possible through prevention, clean water, and a collective commitment to change,” he said.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
