ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Monday stressed the urgent need for comprehensive action to tackle Pakistan’s rising health challenges.

He was chairing a project steering committee meeting on the Prime Minister’s Programme for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus.

The meeting was attended by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Health Secretary Nadeem Mehbub, member of the Social Sector Planning Commission, member of Development Communications Planning Commission, chief health planning ministry and senior officials from relevant departments.

During the meeting, the health department briefed the committee on the objectives of the Prime Minister’s Programme for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus. The department explained that the program aims to strengthen the provision of essential health services, including diabetes-related services, across all provinces, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The program aims to reach over 70 per cent of the targeted population in various districts for preventive diabetes services through primary healthcare facilities, lady health workers, and population-level interventions.

Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive action to tackle the rising health challenges in Pakistan, particularly in light of alarming statistics related to diabetes, hepatitis, polio, and stunting. He highlighted that Pakistan ranked third globally for diabetes, first for hepatitis, and was among the leading countries in terms of polio and stunting.

“I am confident that through coordinated efforts, we can address these pressing health challenges effectively,” said Ahsan Iqbal. “Over the past sixteen months, work has already started on this project to address the country’s growing health concerns. Health indicators across various sectors are in decline, and immediate measures are essential to reverse this trend.”

He stressed the need for stronger coordination with provincial governments to ensure that disease prevention and health interventions are carried out effectively. He emphasised the importance of allocating a significant portion of the national budget to health to address these challenges adequately.

Ahsan Iqbal also welcomed the new health minister, Mustafa Kamal, and expressed optimism regarding his leadership. He expressed confidence that Kamal would bring about significant improvements in the health sector.

“I believe that under Minister Kamal’s leadership, we will see positive changes in the health sector,” Mr Iqbal said.

Mustafa Kamal, in his remarks, echoed the need for strong coordination with provincial governments to address the country’s health challenges. “Effective cooperation with the provinces is our top priority in tackling these health issues,” he said.

He, on his first day as health minister, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the vital health sector. “It is an honour to serve in this critical field and contribute to improving the nation’s health outcomes,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2025