KARACHI: Highlight­ing Pakistan’s challenges on the eve of World Health Day, medical professionals on Saturday asked the government to address the prevailing health disparities and called for greater investment and collaboration in the sector that could materialise into immediate relief for the people, particularly children.

“To achieve health equity in the country, it is essential to raise awareness and work towards ensuring every person’s right to attain the highest possible level of health and well-being,” said Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro.

This year’s World Health Day, which is being observed on Sunday (today), is dedicated to the theme “Building a fairer, healthier world” with the slogan “My health, my right”.

“The day is a grim reminder that many individuals, especially those residing in rural areas and low-income communities, in our country encounter obstacles preventing them from accessing essential healthcare services,” said Dr Shoro.

On behalf of the PMA-Centre, Dr Shoro said it recognised the importance of increased government investment in the health sector to improve health infrastructure and ensure the availability of necessary medications and treatments.

He also called upon healthcare professionals to realise their collective responsibility in advocating health equity. “Engaging in community outreach programmes, conducting health education campaigns, and collaborating with policymakers will contribute positively towards creating a healthcare system that leaves no individual behind. Additionally, we need to focus on training and retaining healthcare professionals in underserved areas.”

Children’s health conference

Meanwhile, speakers at the 32nd International Children Health Conference held online in connection with World Health Day at Hamdard Public School called for collaboration among all stakeholders to overcome Pakistan’s healthcare challenges.

In his address, WHO representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng spoke about the myriad challenges confronting the global community, while underscoring the need for prioritizing individual health.

Hamdard Foundation Pakistan president Sadia Rashid informed the audience about the organisation’s services, emphasising that it remained committed to advancing health and education in the country.

Dr Raza-ur-Rahman spoke about the importance of mental health and called for comprehensive measures that could ensure well-being of the masses.

During the conference, young delegates representing Pakistan, the United States, Australia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka shared insightful perspectives on the topic on the day, while emphasising the significance of cultivating a culture of integrity.

Some speakers also shared their concern over the presence of poliovirus in Pakistan and Afghanistan, despite its eradication elsewhere in the world.

A delegate from Afghanistan urged Pakistan to invest in the healthcare sector of Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2024