ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (APP):Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal, on Thursday noted that cervical cancer vaccine has also been included in the immunization program, stressing that improving the country’s health system remains a key target of the government.
Addressing the ceremony on the implementation of Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage 2026, the minister emphasized that currently, immunization is provided against 13 diseases in Pakistan, and the government offers these vaccines free of cost.
He said the number of vaccine-preventable diseases covered under the national immunization program would soon be increased.
The health minister also announced that Pakistan would soon begin local production of vaccines, calling vaccination essential for protection against future diseases.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said that health systems in even many developed countries were disrupted, underscoring the importance of strengthening local vaccine production as a critical component in disease prevention.
While talking about primary healthcare system, Minister stated that primary healthcare holds a central position in the overall health system.
Mustafa Kamal noted that major hospitals are facing immense patient pressure, largely due to the weak primary and secondary healthcare systems.
“When primary and secondary healthcare systems are not strong, people turn to large hospitals,” he said, adding that the government is working to strengthen the primary healthcare system across the country.
He highlighted the need to shift the focus from “sick care” to “health care,” stating that nearly 90 percent of patients visiting hospitals should ideally be treated at local healthcare units. Due to the lack of effective local healthcare systems, patients are compelled to seek treatment at tertiary care hospitals, he added.
The minister said telemedicine services have been introduced in remote areas to ensure the availability of doctors. So far, six telemedicine units have been launched in Karachi and four in Islamabad, where treatment services are continuing successfully.
He also raised concerns over maternal health, revealing that around 11,000 women die every year in Pakistan during childbirth due to several reasons, including weak physical conditions, adding that it needed to be addressed on an urgent basis.
Federal Minister said that healthcare is a matter of national security and economic stability for any country.
He said the government has devised a comprehensive strategy to protect people from falling ill and that work on its swift implementation is underway.