Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that primary health care holds central importance in the health sector and the Government of Pakistan is giving special attention to strengthening this area.
Addressing a primary health care event in Islamabad, Mustafa Kamal said that inaugurating large hospitals is politically appealing to everyone, but the public primarily needs primary and secondary health care. He said that Pakistan’s population is increasing every year by an amount equal to the population of New Zealand.
He said that the Government of Pakistan is providing free vaccination against 13 diseases, and since the coronavirus pandemic a telemedicine system has been launched under which specialized doctors are now prescribing medicines online. Health care is a matter of national security and economy for any country, which is why improving the health system in Pakistan is a target, and the system must move from sick care to health care.
The federal minister said that vaccines will soon be produced locally in Pakistan, as vaccination is essential for protection against future diseases. Currently, vaccines for only 13 diseases are administered in Pakistan, but the number of immunizations will soon be increased.
He further said that vaccines are administered worldwide to prevent diseases. The government provides vaccination against 13 diseases free of cost, and the cervical cancer vaccine is also included in the immunization program.
