ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), took a significant step on Monday towards realizing the government’s top priority of achieving Universal Health Coverage by launching a project to revamp 464 healthcare facilities across the country.
In a formal ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s House, a Letter of Understanding was signed between the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization. The event also marked the handing over of healthcare equipment worth over Rs 2 billion including mobile health clinics, ambulances, and mobile vaccination vans.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Caretaker Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan presided over the ceremony as Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shallwani and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Mahipala signed the document.
Being executed with the WHO’s support, the project will not impose any financial burden on the Government of Pakistan.
Under the project, the WHO would assist Pakistan in renovating 464 health facilities across the country including 41 in AJK and Gilgit Baltistan, 131 in Balochistan, 64 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26 in Punjab and 202 in Sindh.
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The WHO’s support will also encompass upgrading 21 health facilities, 14 labour rooms and six EPI training centres in AJK and GB; 99 health facilities, 26 labour rooms, and six EPI training centres in Balochistan; and 36 health facilities 21 labour rooms and seven EPI training centres in KP.
The project also includes refurbishing 15 labour rooms, nine EPI training centres and two nutrition stabilisation centres in Punjab; and 150 health facilities, 46 labour rooms and six EPI training centres in Sindh.
The WHO’s support for upgrading healthcare facilities throughout the country will not only contribute to meeting the objective of Universal Health Coverage but also improve the image of the government in the public for the provision of quality healthcare services to them.
This support will also contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 for good health and also SDG8 which is a decent work environment and economic growth.
The project will strengthen the primary healthcare system and promote the referral system mechanism besides alleviating the burden on major hospitals.
As part of the plan, the primary healthcare facilities would be computerised and equipped with around 70 modern facilities.
The upgradation of such a huge number of health facilities is a first in the history of the country, ensuring the provision of healthcare services to the public at their doorstep. —APP
