PESHAWAR: Health experts on Thursday demanded that the federal and provincial governments allocate four percent of their respective fiscal budgets for health sector to ensure the provision of the best facilities to patients. They also called for the strict enforcement of the anti-tobacco laws.

Pakistan Islamic Medical Association provincial president Prof Mohammad Subhan told reporters at the Peshawar Press Club that the situation was quite dismal regarding health facilities in the country and therefore, there was a need for immediate reforms in the health sector.

He said of the total fiscal budget, the government was spending only 0.42 per cent allocations on the health sector, which was a very disappointing.

Prof Subhan said at least four percent of the budgetary allocations should be fixed for the health sector so that provision of the best health facilities could be ensured for everyone across the country. He demanded better funds for health facilities and vaccination programme.

Health experts call for strict enforcement of anti-tobacco laws

Accompanied by PIMA central vice president Prof Sohail Akhtar, general secretary Dr Abdul Aziz Memoon and Prof Fazal Mian, he said the incidence of fatal diseases had considerably increased over the last decade around the world, especially in Pakistan.

The PIMA president suggested that effective steps be taken to fight diabetes, high blood pressure, hepatitis, tuberculosis and other common diseases.

He said tobacco smoking was currently the biggest healthcare challenge in the country as it was a major cause of deaths.

Prof Subhan said the rate of tobacco smoking was gradually growing due to the ineffective implementation of the anti-tobacco laws in the country.

He asked the government to impose a complete ban on tobacco smoking, especially in public places, as well as sale of cigarettes to underage people.

He asked the government to hold dialogue with pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to fix medicine rates to the benefit of the poor patients.

Prof Subhan said a mushroom growth of medical colleges had been seen in the country during the last 10 years.

He said the PMDC and other heath policymaking bodies should be de-politicised.

The PIMA president said the government should make a code of conduct for hospitals and other medical facilities to ensure the best patient care.

He also demanded that the government protect doctors and offer them attractive salary package to stop their brain drain.

Prof Subhan also called for steps to address shortage of doctors and paramedical staff at major hospitals and periphery medical units in the country.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2016