A delegation led by World Bank Group Vice President for People, Mamta Murthi, met with Pakistan's Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday to discuss challenges facing the country's healthcare system and potential solutions.
Delegation Composition and Focus Areas
The delegation included senior World Bank officials, the World Bank's Pakistan Country Director, regional representatives, and health experts. They emphasized the importance of strengthening primary healthcare, improving maternal and child health services, and addressing child stunting. Discussions also covered ongoing health-sector programs supported by the World Bank.
Minister's Briefing on Healthcare Challenges
During the meeting, Minister Kamal briefed the delegation on key healthcare challenges, ongoing reforms, and government priorities. He said Pakistan is committed to transforming its existing healthcare framework into a more effective healthcare system, with a focus on strengthening primary healthcare through telemedicine and implementing a robust referral system to reduce pressure on major hospitals.
Preventive Healthcare and Vaccine Production
Kamal stressed that preventing illness is his top priority and highlighted efforts to improve preventive healthcare. He also underscored the need for local vaccine production before 2030, noting significant progress in this area. According to the minister, Pakistan has made advances in agreements with Indonesia for the local production of vaccines against 13 diseases and has formulated its first national vaccine policy.
World Bank's Praise and Future Engagement
The World Bank delegation praised the minister's ongoing initiatives and vision for healthcare reform. Mamta Murthi also invited Mustafa Kamal to participate in the Universal Health Coverage Forum, scheduled to be held in December 2026. The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system.
