Kamal for improving ‘whole system'
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that Pakistan's healthcare system is riddled with fundamental flaws, and the solution lies not just in building hospitals but in improving the entire environment.
Addressing at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), he said that Pakistan's population growth is outpacing its resources. 'The annual population growth rate has reached a staggering 3.6%, compared to the national resource capacity.'
He highlighted the dire conditions of healthcare facilities, citing the example of PIMS Hospital, where one doctor is expected to see 40 patients but currently attends to over 250. 'Around 68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by contaminated water, and we still lack a proper sewage treatment system.'
Kamal pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the highest globally in diabetes and hepatitis C cases, and while polio has been eradicated globally, it still persists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Emphasizing the role of technology, the health minister announced that reforms in the health sector would be introduced through a public-philanthropic partnership model. He said that collaboration with NADRA is under way to convert national identity card numbers into Medical Record Numbers (MRN), with legislation for this initiative expected soon.
He said we have only 170,000 nurses, but we need at least 900,000. Globally, there is demand for 2.5 million Pakistani nurses, potentially turning this sector into a multi-billion-dollar foreign exchange earner for Pakistan.
Kamal underscored the need to strengthen the country's primary healthcare infrastructure, pointing out that nearly 70% of patients in major hospitals suffer from minor illnesses that should be treated at primary healthcare centers. He stressed the strategic importance of Karachi, saying, 'If this city were in someone else's hands, its condition would have transformed by now. Though we lack authority, we are serving Karachi with full dedication.'
Earlier, KATI President Junaid Naqi lamented that industrial workers and their families face difficulties in accessing basic healthcare services. 'It is extremely unfortunate that a city contributing so much to Pakistan's economy faces such a severe shortage of hospitals and primary care facilities.'
Calling for immediate action, Naqi demanded that the federal government allocate special funds for healthcare in Karachi, especially in the Korangi Industrial Area. 'Healthy citizens form the foundation of a strong economy.'
Deputy Patron-in-Chief of KATI, Zubair Chhaya, also expressed deep concern over the federal government's continuous neglect of Karachi. 'Road networks are being built across the country, but Karachi remains overlooked.' This city has consistently been the backbone of Pakistan's economy, and it deserves immediate attention regarding both healthcare and economic development.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Kamal for improving ‘whole system'
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that Pakistan's healthcare system is riddled with fundamental flaws, and the solution lies not just in building hospitals but in improving the entire environment. Addressing at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), he said that Pakistan's population growth is outpacing its resources. 'The annual population growth rate has reached a staggering 3.6%, compared to the national resource capacity.' He highlighted the dire conditions of healthcare facilities, citing the example of PIMS Hospital, where one doctor is expected to see 40 patients but currently attends to over 250. 'Around 68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by contaminated water, and we still lack a proper sewage treatment system.' Kamal pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the highest globally in diabetes and hepatitis C cases, and while polio has been eradicated globally, it still persists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Emphasizing the role of technology, the health minister announced that reforms in the health sector would be introduced through a public-philanthropic partnership model. He said that collaboration with NADRA is under way to convert national identity card numbers into Medical Record Numbers (MRN), with legislation for this initiative expected soon. He said we have only 170,000 nurses, but we need at least 900,000. Globally, there is demand for 2.5 million Pakistani nurses, potentially turning this sector into a multi-billion-dollar foreign exchange earner for Pakistan. Kamal underscored the need to strengthen the country's primary healthcare infrastructure, pointing out that nearly 70% of patients in major hospitals suffer from minor illnesses that should be treated at primary healthcare centers. He stressed the strategic importance of Karachi, saying, 'If this city were in someone else's hands, its condition would have transformed by now. Though we lack authority, we are serving Karachi with full dedication.' Earlier, KATI President Junaid Naqi lamented that industrial workers and their families face difficulties in accessing basic healthcare services. 'It is extremely unfortunate that a city contributing so much to Pakistan's economy faces such a severe shortage of hospitals and primary care facilities.' Calling for immediate action, Naqi demanded that the federal government allocate special funds for healthcare in Karachi, especially in the Korangi Industrial Area. 'Healthy citizens form the foundation of a strong economy.' Deputy Patron-in-Chief of KATI, Zubair Chhaya, also expressed deep concern over the federal government's continuous neglect of Karachi. 'Road networks are being built across the country, but Karachi remains overlooked.' This city has consistently been the backbone of Pakistan's economy, and it deserves immediate attention regarding both healthcare and economic development.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Minister pledges to achieve polio-free future of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that polio eradication is the top priority of the government and federal health ministry along with provincial health departments are fully committed to achieving a polio-free future for children of the country. He made these remarks while virtually attending the joint session of the Gavi Board and the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he represented the government of Pakistan and shared key updates on national progress in the fight against polio. He highlighted that the prime minister of Pakistan is personally overseeing the polio eradication efforts and chairs monthly stocktake meetings to review progress. Sharing the latest progress, the minister stated, 'Pakistan has witnessed over a 99 percent decline in polio cases a testament to our coordinated strategy, dedication of frontline workers, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.' He emphasised the implementation of a joint strategy to reach zero-dose children, with mobile biker teams mobilized to access nomadic and hard-to-reach populations. Underscoring the importance of global partnerships, the minister added, 'Strengthening the integrated immunization system requires continued support from both Gavi and the Polio Oversight Board. We need additional investments to ensure the training and retention of vaccinators.' He noted that enhanced synergy between the polio and EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) initiatives is improving immunisation coverage, while coordinated microplanning and effective monitoring are delivering tangible results in the field. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Minister pledges to achieve polio-free future of country
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that polio eradication is the top priority of the government and federal health ministry along with provincial health departments are fully committed to achieving a polio-free future for children of the country. He made these remarks while virtually attending the joint session of the Gavi Board and the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he represented the government of Pakistan and shared key updates on national progress in the fight against polio. He highlighted that the prime minister of Pakistan is personally overseeing the polio eradication efforts and chairs monthly stocktake meetings to review progress. Sharing the latest progress, the minister stated, 'Pakistan has witnessed over a 99 percent decline in polio cases a testament to our coordinated strategy, dedication of frontline workers, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.' He emphasised the implementation of a joint strategy to reach zero-dose children, with mobile biker teams mobilized to access nomadic and hard-to-reach populations. Underscoring the importance of global partnerships, the minister added, 'Strengthening the integrated immunization system requires continued support from both Gavi and the Polio Oversight Board. We need additional investments to ensure the training and retention of vaccinators.' He noted that enhanced synergy between the polio and EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) initiatives is improving immunisation coverage, while coordinated microplanning and effective monitoring are delivering tangible results in the field. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
