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Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Public healthcare facilities: Minister announces plans to initiate PPP model
ISLAMABAD: Amid growing number of patients and poor conditions of government hospitals in the federal capital, Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal announced plans to initiate a public-private partnership model to address the growing pressure on public healthcare facilities. The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was held under the chairmanship of Amir Waliuddin Chishti, here on Tuesday. The meeting discussed complaint against on duty medical officer (CMO) of Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad. Senator Syed Masroor Ahmed expressed serious concern about the dire condition of the Polyclinic hospital and emphasised the need for immediate attention and improvement. He shared his personal observations during a visit, where he witnessed the substandard conditions and expressed concern over the inadequate state of healthcare services. Furthering to this, he pointed out that patients are advised to obtain prescribed medications from outside pharmacies. Kamal, informed the committee that the city is served by two major hospitals and 30 Basic Health Units (BHUs). However, he informed that these facilities are experiencing significant strain, with nearly 70 percent of the population relying on them for medical care. He also noted that many individuals, even those suffering from common ailments such as headaches, are visiting these hospitals despite being able to afford private healthcare, further exacerbating the burden on public health institutions. He also revealed that patients from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa come to Islamabad for treatment in these hospitals. The hospitals which can accommodate approximately 3,000 patients are now serving up to 30,000 patients. Which cause immense pressure on their resources and services. Kamal also informed the committee that they have identified a viable solution to address the growing pressure on public healthcare facilities. He announced plans to initiate a public-private partnership model with the involvement of the private sector on a non-profit basis. He added that work on this initiative is expected to commence within the next 15 to 20 days. The minister further briefed the committee that a Jinnah Medical Complex is being established in Islamabad, which will also be one of the largest medical research centres in the region. The chairman committee inquired about the underutilised hospital buildings constructed during the Covid-19 pandemic with a 266-bed capacity. He questioned why such existing infrastructure was not being utilised effectively. The minister stated that steps are being taken to bring those buildings into operational use. He also shared that several extensions of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) are currently under development across different areas of Islamabad, many of which are nearing completion. The chairman recommended the establishment of an additional hospital in Islamabad, noting that despite the city's population having grown to approximately 2.6 to 2.7 million; it continues to be served by only two major public hospitals. He emphasised the urgent need to expand the healthcare infrastructure in line with the city's increasing population demands. The committee raised concerns regarding alleged corruption and mismanagement in the Pakistan Nursing Council. During a discussion, the Federal Minister for Health, strongly criticised the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), describing it as a 'mafia-like' entity. He stated that while he holds certain verbal authority over the institution, he lacks the formal, written powers required to implement substantial reforms. He added that the institution has been severely mismanaged and has suffered extensive damage due to internal dysfunction. The chairman committee and members extended their full support to the minister, encouraging him to bring forward any proposed legislative amendments necessary to reform the PNC. They assured him of their cooperation in ensuring accountability and institutional improvement. The members, unanimously, agreed that they stand ready to assist in any efforts aimed at restoring transparency and efficiency within the Council. Additionally, the minister suggested an in-camera meeting to present a detailed way forward, outlining actionable steps to transform and improve the functioning of the PNC. The committee was briefed on plan by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) concerning misleading formula milk advertisement that DRAP Act, 2012 and Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules, 2014 defines 'baby milk and food' as Health and OTC Products (non-drugs). Furthermore, they told that the matter of dual regulatory framework for the regulation of baby milk and food was agitated at the forum of SIFC and BOI since February 2024 as same can also be regulated by provincial food departments as per their legislation. After several meetings at SIFC and BOI, it was decided to exclude the regulation of the baby milk and food from the domain DRAP and it will be exclusively regulated by provincial food departments and baby milk and foods for special medical needs and treatments will be regulated by DRAP only. Resultantly, amendments in The Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules, 2024, have been vetted by the Law and Justice Division and summary is being submitted to CCLC for approval of Federal Cabinet. Following this, after a comprehensive briefing, the committee decided to discuss this in forthcoming in-camera meeting. During the committee meeting, it was noted that the vice chancellor of the Health Services Academy had been officially summoned. However, he failed to appear before the committee and taking serious notice of his absence, the chairman committee recommended that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee to determine the reason for his non-compliance. The federal minister for health also expressed concern over the vice chancellor's absence, stating that he should have been present at the meeting and no one in the committee was informed of the reason behind the vice chancellor's absence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Population growth, women health and UHC: Ministry reaffirms resolve to address issues
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment in close collaboration with global partners to robust and sustainable health reforms to address population growth, women health and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) related issues. This was stated by State Minister on National Health Services Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath during a high-level meeting with the British High Commission's Development Director Jo Moirb who called on the minister along with a delegation. Dr Bharath underscored the urgent need to strengthen the Primary Healthcare (PHC) system, particularly, in urban areas where fragmented services hinder equitable access. He emphasised the importance of integrated, people-centred care in advancing UHC, especially for underserved peri-urban communities. A key priority highlighted by Dr Bharath was the enhancement of family planning services across all provinces. 'Empowering women through accessible reproductive health services is fundamental to sustainable development,' he said. 'We are committed to ensuring that every woman can make informed decisions about her health and well-being.' The minister also addressed the need for sustainable health financing in the face of a shifting global aid landscape. He expressed appreciation for the technical assistance provided by the UK and emphasised Pakistan's phased transition from donor-supported vertical programmes to domestically financed health systems. 'In the face of global aid reductions, we must regularise essential health services and build national systems that are resilient, efficient, and accountable,' he noted. Dr Bharath acknowledged the value of UK-supported initiatives such as the Evidence for Health (E4H) Programme, which has contributed to policy development, health systems strengthening, and enhanced national health security. These efforts, he said, are aligned with Pakistan's roadmap for transition and sustainability. He further reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening routine immunisation systems and highlighted a long-term vision for indigenous vaccine production to ensure national preparedness and reduce reliance on international supply chains. Dr Bharath said Pakistan was committed to work closely with development partners to advance a self-reliant, equitable, and evidence-driven health system. 'Together, we must build a future where every citizen regardless of location or income can access quality health services with dignity and confidence,' he stated. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
RFK praises anti-vaxxer hours after attending funeral of 8-year-old who died from measles
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is facing renewed scrutiny after praising the work of a doctor who has been known for discussing the dangers of vaccines - while the secretary was attending the funeral of the second child who died from the rampant West Texas measles outbreak. Kennedy, who visited the outbreak area Sunday, attended the funeral of the unvaccinated unnamed 8-year-old girl: the second death of a young unvaccinated child in the state. He wrote on social media that he was in the state to learn how federal employees can better partner with Texas health officials to control the spread of the highly contagious respiratory virus, noting that 'the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.' Just hours later, Kennedy commended the practice of 'extraordinary healers' Dr. Ben Edwards and Richard Bartlett, 'who have treated and healed some 300 measles-stricken Mennonite children using aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin.' Edwards and Bartlett have reportedly both promoted medicine other than vaccines to treat disease. Kennedy's post drew criticism from social media users - as both men have been linked to controversial stances. 'B*****T BOBBY IS STILL QUOTING QUACKS,' wrote Dr. Jan Kirsch, a medical oncologist and hematologist in California. 'The Health Secretary is promoting quack doctors in the midst of a measles outbreak and literally nothing was more predictable,' said Dr. Benjamin Mazer, a pathologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. 'More evidence if any is needed, that Kennedy is unfit for his post. Drs. Bartlett & Edwards should have all accreditation removed if they are treating an acute viral infection with antibiotics,' said Tony Owen, who was identified on social media as a former member of the U.K.-based National Health Services. Since taking charge of the nation's top health agencies and the federal response to the outbreak, Kennedy — who has long been criticized for his promotion of anti-vaccine views — has tepidly endorsed the vaccines, which are 97 percent effective against the measles virus. The majority of physicians stress that they're the way to stop the spread, instead of promoting other treatments. Dr. Ben Edwards has criticized measles vaccination and described mass infection as 'God's version of measles immunization,' according to The Washington Post. Edwards runs a wellness clinic in Lubbock that supplies patients with vitamin C and cod liver oil, according to The New York Times. 'A divine appointment in 2011 opened his eyes to the fact that U.S. medical schools only teach a very narrow way of disease and symptom management with pharmaceuticals instead of disease and symptom resolution by addressing root causes,' the Veritas Wellness site says. The parents of the first child who died in the outbreak said their other children had milder cases of illness because of the treatments from the clinic, which reportedly had help from an online fundraiser organized by Children's Health Defense: the group led by Kennedy before he launched his 2024 presidential run. If children who come to him have significant trouble breathing, NBC News reported last month that Edwards recommends budesonide, an inhaled steroid typically used for asthma. Budesonide is used to treat Crohn's disease, but it's not clear how it could help someone with measles. People taking it are warned to avoid exposure to measles, as it can increase the risk of infection. Dr. Richard Bartlett, the other doctor in Kennedy's tweet, once touted the steroid treatment as a cure for Covid, calling it a 'silver bullet.' In August of 2020, Bartlett told a Christian radio station that he saw a 100 percent cure rate in his clinic, including among 'the sickest of the sick.' Bartlett is a devout Christian and authored a book in 2018 on 'doctor confirmed miracles.' While an Oxford University study initially gave credence to Bartlett's claims, additional analysis and studies cast doubt on the effectiveness of the treatment, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. Notably, Bartlett was disciplined by Texas medical regulators in 2003 for 'unusual use of risk-filled medications.' Both doctors — who Kennedy previously praised in an interview with Fox Nation — also reportedly distributed clarithromycin to treat measles patients. Used to treat pneumonia, the antibiotic may help to prevent secondary bacterial infections, but the evidence is limited. Doctors say it wouldn't be a 'first line choice' for measles. Kennedy has said that his department will be running clinical trials on budesonide, clarithromycin and cod liver oil therapies. He has also promoted the use of vitamin A 'as a prophylaxis.' He has also ordered a re-examination of a debunked link between the vaccines and autism. expanded the counties included in the designated outbreak area. 'It's really important not to conflate what … [is] supportive or adjunctive care for measles versus curative treatment for measles,' Dr. Christina Johns, a pediatric emergency physician at PM Pediatrics in Annapolis, Maryland, told CNN. 'There is no treatment for measles.'
Express Tribune
11-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
I-14 to get modern health facility
ISLAMABAD: In a major step to improve healthcare access for families, Nelson Azeem, the Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, announced on Monday the establishment of a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Health Hospital in Sector I-14 of Islamabad. The project, titled "Establishment of Mother, Neonates, and Child Health Centre (MNCHC) in ICT Islamabad," is being developed under the Ministry of NHSR&C. It aims to provide essential primary and secondary healthcare services to the local community. During the National Assembly's Question Hour session, Azeem emphasized that the new facility will significantly ease the burden on Islamabad's tertiary care hospitals by offering critical healthcare services closer to home for I-14 residents and nearby areas. The hospital will also serve as a referral centre for local primary healthcare centers, offering specialized maternal and child health services alongside general healthcare. Azeem provided updates on the hospital's progress, noting that equipment procured in the last financial year has already been installed.
