ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister of State for Health Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing Primary Health Care (PHC) as a key strategy for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He made this reaffirmation at a high-level National Symposium on PHC.

The event brought together national and provincial leaders, including Sindh's Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial health ministers, and representatives from international organizations such as the Aga Khan University, Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.

“This forum is a critical opportunity to align national and provincial efforts, in close collaboration with global health partners, to build a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered health system for Pakistan,” said Minister Bharath. Referring to the Alma Ata (1978) and Astana (2018) Declarations, he emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to Primary Health Care. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of PHC in 2028, we must reaffirm our dedication to ensuring equitable health for all,” he added.

The Minister highlighted that the National Health Vision (2016–2025) has laid a solid foundation for the upcoming National Health and Population Policy (2025–2034), which will prioritize resilience, equity, and efficiency within the health system. This policy will tackle critical health challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

A major focus of Mr. Bharath’s speech was the nationwide rollout of the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) at the district level, particularly in high-burden areas. This initiative targets key health domains such as maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, along with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating communicable diseases like Polio, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis C, announcing that the Prime Minister had recently endorsed a PKR 67.77 billion PC-1 project to eliminate Hepatitis C in partnership with provincial governments. In addition, $18 million has been secured to strengthen national preparedness for future pandemics.

The Minister also emphasized the role of digital transformation in healthcare, unveiling the Ministry’s PKR 33 billion proposal to establish telemedicine centers nationwide. These centers aim to enhance access to healthcare and facilitate real-time data management at the PHC level. “We plan to gradually increase public health spending from 1% to 3% of GDP, ushering in a new era of PHC-focused reforms in partnership with provinces and global stakeholders,” he said.

Addressing the health workforce shortage, Mr. Bharath called for increased production of nurses and paramedics, as well as the expansion of the Lady Health Worker (LHW) program. He also underscored the need to strengthen Health Care Commissions to regulate service quality in both public and private sectors.

The Minister expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of development partners, particularly the Gates Foundation, and highlighted successful collaborations such as the Tando Allah Yar PHC model and urban immunization campaigns in Karachi. He concluded by calling for multi-sectoral action to address the broader social determinants of health and urged participants to transform the symposium’s insights into concrete policy actions.

“The Government of Pakistan is committed to implementing the outcomes of this dialogue and looks forward to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for our people,” he concluded.