ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad on Tuesday said that the government firmly believed that healthcare was a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

“Our vision aligns with universal health coverage (UHC) principles: ensuring that everyone has access to essential health services without suffering financial hardship. UHC is not just a health priority, it is an investment in human capital and a driver of inclusive and sustainable development,” he said while speaking to participants of an event held to mark the Universal Health Coverage Day.

“We also launched new partnerships to enhance primary healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Our commitment to equitable healthcare has strengthened, with significant achievements in maternal and child health services and the deployment of digital health solutions to improve efficiency and accessibility,” he said.

He said government had placed health at the centre of policymaking, recognising that sustainable development was impossible without robust healthcare systems.

“Through strengthening public healthcare infrastructure, regulating private health services, and ensuring access to essential medicines, we affirm that the well-being of our people is not a choice but an obligation. Together, let us continue this journey toward a healthier, more equitable Pakistan,” he said.

Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad acknowledged the support of development partners and said that achieving Universal Health Coverage was a monumental task that no nation can accomplish alone.

“Pakistan’s progress toward UHC has been significantly bolstered by the steadfast support of our international partners, whose contributions have been instrumental in driving change. Organisations like WHO, Unicef , USAID, the Gates Foundation, and the World Bank have not only provided financial and technical assistance but have also shared invaluable expertise and best practices,” he said.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable Pakistan. Join hands with the government, development partners, and communities to ensure that health truly becomes a right for all, not a privilege for a few. It is time to act now, because provision of health services is the government’s responsibility, and we are all part of the journey toward a stronger, healthier nation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024