Top federal and provincial officials convened on Tuesday to address what the federal health minister described as a “critical demographic juncture” directly impacting national development, launching a concerted effort to align health and population reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The joint session of the Inter-Ministerial Health and Population Council and the UHC Country Platform sought to harmonise Pakistan’s strategic agenda. Organised by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR and C) with support from the British High Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO), the gathering aimed to synchronise national and provincial priorities with investments from development partners.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, who chaired the forum, identified UHC as a cornerstone of the government’s national development strategy. He announced that an upcoming National Health and Population Policy for 2026-2035 would act as a strategic compass for the intended reforms.
‘Health is not merely a sectoral issue but a foundational investment in human capital and economic stability,’ Mr. Kamal stated. He described the new policy as a practical, evidence-based roadmap toward a healthier and more resilient population, stressing that sustained political will is crucial to transform these commitments into tangible outcomes.
State Minister for National Health Services, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, underscored the strategic importance of local vaccine production. He termed it a vital investment in health security and a critical move toward self-reliance. Achieving WHO’s Maturity Level 3 for regulatory systems, he noted, is essential for locally produced vaccines to gain international confidence and market access. Dr. Bharath also highlighted the need to draft a National Health Insurance Act with provincial consensus to ensure equitable healthcare access.
Provincial leaders echoed the call for integrated action. Punjab Health and Population Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasized the strong link between population dynamics and sustainable development, identifying population management as a key determinant of economic prosperity.
Representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Health Minister Khaleeq ur Rehman remarked that health is the foundation of a prosperous society. He advocated for strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, expanding digital health services to remote areas, and investing in the health workforce.
The meeting concluded with a collective reaffirmation from all stakeholders to deepen collaboration, synchronise resources, and accelerate reforms to ensure every citizen can access quality, affordable healthcare without suffering financial hardship.