ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Health Minister, Dr. Nadeem Jan, paid a visit to the Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPH) hospital to review the progress of the ongoing expansion project.
During his visit, the minister was briefed by the concerned authorities about the ambitious expansion project, which is part of Polyclinic G-11/3 expansion project-II. This initiative aims to increase the hospital’s capacity by adding 300 beds and significantly enhancing its healthcare services. While the original timeline for project completion was three years, Dr. Nadeem Jan urged the project team to expedite their efforts and complete it within two years.
In his remarks, the minister emphasized that delays and sluggish construction work would not be tolerated, stressing the importance of timely completion of projects aimed at public welfare. He highlighted the project’s regional significance, stating that it would not only benefit the citizens of Islamabad and its surroundings but also provide vital healthcare support to the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The expanded hospital will offer a broad spectrum of medical services, including care for conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, maternity care, allergies, bone and joint problems, chest and heart diseases, and dermatological issues.
Dr. Nadeem Jan underscored the importance of ongoing healthcare reforms, acknowledging that progress in the health sector is contingent on comprehensive reforms. He noted the growing challenges posed by the increasing population and limited resources to address healthcare needs. In response, the government has initiated a groundbreaking project to alleviate the strain on larger hospitals.
The minister shared plans to revamp 460 primary health centers nationwide, with the goal of strengthening the healthcare system. He also emphasized the agenda of Global Health Security to prevent the spread of cross-border diseases, with the “Pharma Pakistan” project set to enhance the provision of medicines on a permanent basis.
Dr. Nadeem Jan mentioned the government’s commitment to promoting vaccine production in Pakistan and fostering merit and transparency in medical education through the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the Pakistan Nursing Council.
To ensure transparency, an online system has been introduced to monitor the PMDC’s activities, and mechanisms are in place to oversee the functionality of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The minister further announced the launch of a mobile application for resolving public complaints and outlined plans to eliminate counterfeit and unregistered drugs.
He informed that the National Health Task Force is actively operating across the country, and Universal Health Coverage remains a top priority. The Health Card system has been expanded to enhance access to healthcare services.
Dr. Nadeem Jan revealed that hospital pharmacies are being computerized, and specialized departments have been established to control and prevent both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The National Health Support Program is being used to bolster the health system.
Furthermore, the minister shared the government’s comprehensive plan to combat Hepatitis C and highlighted the establishment of the Health Advisory Council to improve the health sector.
“We are strengthening the Border Health Service to keep the public safe from diseases,” he affirmed, adding that Pakistan’s health sector is taking effective measures to elevate its international standing.
Dr. Nadeem Jan expressed pride in the projects initiated in a relatively short period, which he believes will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
