ISLAMABAD: The government’s first priority is to reduce prices of life-saving medicines so they can be accessible to everyone, Minister for National Health Services (NHS) Abdul Qadir Patel said on Wednesday.

During his visit to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), the new health minister vowed to play his part towards decreasing the prices of life-saving medicines with the support of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet.

Talking to journalists, Mr Patel said: “I have already asked for details about increase in prices during the last few years. I will also seek support of the prime minister and federal cabinet to ensure that prices are reduced.”

Minimum taxes should be imposed on the health sector, he said, adding that he would contact the finance ministry in this regard.

Says minimum taxes should be imposed on health sector

“The government will ensure that the poor get free and quality treatment,” he added.

Mr Patel visited all wards of Pims and the hospital administration gave him a briefing about facilities available to patients.

He directed the management to ensure patients were being provided the best medical facilities.

“It is our religious and moral duty to serve humanity, and all doctors and paramedical staff should continue to work hard. The current government will work hard for the betterment of our people and the social sector. The purpose of my visit to the hospital is to assess what basic facilities are available to people in hospitals and the challenges that the hospital management and patients face,” Mr Patel said.

“The government is focusing on the health sector and is committed towards improving the performance of hospitals. I assure people that I would continue to personally monitor the performance of hospitals,” he added.

Earlier, the minister was welcomed by the senior joint secretary and other senior officials upon his arrival at the NHS ministry.

“The government will take all possible steps to improve the health sector for the betterment of poor people,” he said, adding that special attention would be given to the social sector as the government was committed towards making significant improvements in the health sector through practical measures and tireless work.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2022