ISLAMABAD: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced on Tuesday that nearly 10 million Pakistani children between the ages of five and 15 are living with diabetes. He warned that the country continues to grapple with preventable diseases due to insufficient measures to curb sugary drink consumption.
Call for Preventive Healthcare
Speaking at the inauguration of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy (HSA), the minister urged a fundamental shift from a treatment-based healthcare model to one focused on disease prevention. He argued that Pakistan's rising burden of diabetes, hepatitis, heart disease, and maternal mortality has turned public health into a national security concern, underscoring the need for stronger preventive policies.
Kamal emphasized that the healthcare system cannot be improved without reducing the number of patients entering it. He stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, primary health services, and a trained medical workforce. He noted that while nearly 10 million children are affected by diabetes, effective steps to reduce sugary beverage consumption have yet to be implemented.
Broader Social Reform Needed
The minister said Pakistan needs a healthcare system centered on disease prevention rather than treatment. Improving the healthcare system requires reducing the overall disease burden on society. He also emphasized the need for broader social reform, stating that a good human being is more likely to become a good doctor, officer, or minister.
Kamal highlighted that around 6.2 million children are born in Pakistan every year, and rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on healthcare, education, and other sectors. He pointed out that approximately 11,000 women die annually from pregnancy-related complications, while 11 million hepatitis patients are registered across the country. Additionally, one person dies from a heart attack every minute in Pakistan.
Criticism of Policy Inconsistencies
The minister criticized what he described as policy inconsistencies, noting that contraceptive medicines are subject to an 18% tax while efforts to increase taxes on sugary drinks have not succeeded. He argued that Pakistan's challenges stem not from a shortage of resources but from administrative shortcomings and ineffective governance.
According to Kamal, provinces received Rs8.6 trillion for development projects last year, but the real challenge lies in ensuring those resources are utilized efficiently. He reiterated that the health sector had become a matter of national security and that the government is focusing on disease prevention, strengthening primary healthcare services, and developing a skilled medical workforce.
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Inaugurated
Speaking on the occasion, Health Services Academy Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shehzad Ali Khan said the newly established School of Pharmaceutical Sciences would play an important role in advancing pharmacy education, research, and public health. The ceremony was attended by health experts, academics, pharmacists, and other distinguished figures from the healthcare sector.
