The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to improve primary healthcare services in Pakistan.
Both sides stressed that family medicine is very important for building a strong and fair health system that everyone can access easily. The agreement came during a meeting between PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj and WHO officials, where they discussed healthcare reforms and better community medical services.
PM&DC said it is working to make primary healthcare more effective and easier for people to reach. Officials explained that improving family medicine will help move the country closer to universal health coverage and better treatment for all patients.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said family medicine is the base of a strong health system because it helps with early diagnosis, prevention, and continuous care.
As part of new reforms, PM&DC has made family medicine departments compulsory in all medical colleges. It has also added 75 teaching hours on family medicine in the MBBS program so future doctors can learn basic community healthcare skills. This step is expected to reduce pressure on large hospitals by treating common illnesses at the local level.
The council has also directed medical institutions to set up three outreach centers. These centers will help connect hospitals with local communities and improve access to healthcare in remote areas. In addition, PM&DC has introduced an optional three year house job rotation to give young doctors more experience in community health services.
The meeting also discussed growing health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. Officials said family doctors can play a key role in early treatment and long term care of patients.
WHO officials welcomed these reforms and praised PM&DC efforts to improve medical education and healthcare delivery in Pakistan. Both organizations agreed to continue working together to strengthen primary healthcare and make medical services more accessible across the country.
