ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has highlighted the central role of primary healthcare in Pakistan and said the government is giving special attention to strengthening this sector.
Addressing a primary healthcare event in Islamabad, he stated that while the inauguration of large hospitals is politically appealing, the public’s immediate need is for accessible primary and secondary healthcare.
He noted that Pakistan’s population is increasing annually by a number equivalent to the population of New Zealand.
The minister said the government provides free vaccination against 13 diseases, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, a telemedicine system has been initiated.
He added that specialized doctors now prescribe medications online. He emphasized that healthcare is essential for national security and the economy, and improving Pakistan’s healthcare system is a key government priority.
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Mustafa Kamal also announced plans for local vaccine production in Pakistan, underlining the importance of vaccines in preventing future diseases. He stated that the number of protective vaccines will soon increase from the current 13 to cover additional diseases.
He further highlighted that vaccines are crucial worldwide for disease prevention and that the government provides free vaccines against 13 diseases, including cervical cancer prevention vaccines.