World Bank director appreciates National Health Ministry’s progress

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar praised the Ministry of National Health for its commendable performance over the past six months. He expressed full support and endorsement for the ongoing health projects led by the ministry.

A high-level meeting was held between the World Bank Country Director and the Federal Minister of Health, with the Additional Secretary Health and Director General Health also in attendance.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion took place regarding the challenges faced by Pakistan’s health sector and sustainable solutions to address them.

Minister of Health, Mustafa Kamal, acknowledged the numerous challenges within the health sector and emphasized that reforms are actively underway to improve the system. He highlighted a strong commitment to providing medical services in remote and underdeveloped areas through telemedicine.

To ensure patient data safety, the ministry is working towards implementing universal medical records.

Mustafa Kamal pointed out that 68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by contaminated water, and improving access to clean water could prevent a majority of these illnesses. He emphasized that the solution lies in clean water supply, public awareness, and collective efforts, and a coordinated national strategy is being developed in this regard.

The minister stressed that the primary role of the Ministry of Health is to prevent illness, not just to treat patients. With increasing patient loads in hospitals, reducing this burden requires proactive prevention measures.

“True healthcare means preventing people from falling ill,” Mustafa Kamal said, assuring that the ministry is taking special steps to achieve this goal.