Health Minister Advocates for Preventive Healthcare Over Treatment
Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal extended congratulations to Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal for the successful hosting of the Pakistan Governance Forum. During his address on Thursday, Kamal underscored the critical need to enhance public awareness regarding the obstacles to achieving good governance in the country.
He affirmed that the government is tirelessly working for public welfare, with comprehensive data accessible through the Uraan Pakistan initiative. Kamal articulated that the genuine essence of health lies in prevention rather than treatment, describing hospital-based care as sick care and advocating for a shift towards real healthcare focused on disease prevention.
Population Growth Poses Severe Challenges
Highlighting Pakistan's demographic issues, Kamal revealed that the population growth rate is approximately 2.5 percent annually, with an overall growth rate around 3.6 percent. He noted that over six million children are added to the population each year, a figure comparable to the entire population of New Zealand, positioning Pakistan as the world's fifth most populous nation.
Kamal emphasized the urgent necessity to control this rapid expansion, questioning how the country can adequately provide hospitals, schools, and doctors amidst such growth. He warned that even with GDP increases, limited growth rates will constrain overall benefits, stressing that family planning is essential to save the lives of mothers and children.
Maternal Health and Education Crises
The minister disclosed a silent national tragedy: around 11,000 women die annually during pregnancy in Pakistan. He added that children born to weak and malnourished mothers often suffer from stunting and malnutrition, exacerbating health challenges.
Furthermore, Kamal pointed out that over 25 million children in Pakistan remain out of school, calling for a serious national dialogue to ensure a healthy and balanced future. He reiterated the government's special focus on preventing illnesses rather than solely treating diseases, aligning with developed societies that prioritize investment in preventive measures.
