ISLAMABAD, Nov 5 (Alliance News): Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani underscored the importance of collective efforts to provide equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare for all citizens.
Speaking at the 14th International Public Health Conference 2024, organized by the Health Services Academy, Gilani emphasized that extending medical facilities to underserved areas remains a top government priority.
He commended the Health Services Academy for its contribution to public healthcare and skill training in the medical sector, noting that these efforts have improved healthcare at a national level.
“Healthcare is not just about treatment; it’s about creating conditions that foster better health for everyone,” Gilani stated.
During his remarks, he highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare, particularly in rural areas, through innovation, investment, and research initiatives.
He lauded the work of his former Principal Secretary, Nargis Sethi, in establishing the Health Services Academy and emphasized that strengthening healthcare services requires equipping professionals with the necessary skills and resources.
The acting president stressed the need for policy measures and legislation to create an enabling environment for health institutions and promote research-driven healthcare solutions.
“By understanding social and lifestyle factors, we can design policies that address public health challenges,” he noted, assuring that the conference would help address these issues effectively.
Health Services Academy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan acknowledged the institution’s continuous efforts to build capacity in the healthcare sector, fulfilling a mission initiated by the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Zamurrud Khan, patron of Pakistan Sweet Home, suggested that the planned merger of the Allied Health Professional Council and the Nursing Council should be reconsidered due to their differing operational focuses.
Attendees included healthcare stakeholders, including Registrar of Health Services Academy Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Khan and Deputy Controller Examinations Dr. Khalid Iqbal Malik, alongside professionals committed to advancing public health in Pakistan.
