Govt to implement transformative socio-economic agenda for New Pakistan: PM
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Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government is determined to implement a transformative social and economic agenda for a ‘New Pakistan’.
He was talking to Director General WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Islamabad today (Tuesday). He was accompanied by President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Development Division Dr. Christopher Elias.
Imran Khan reiterated his commitment to move forward sustainable development agenda.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Director General and his delegation to Pakistan. He said Pakistan attaches importance to WHO and appreciates the role of WHO in health care system of the country.
On polio eradication programme, the Prime Minister said that Government continues to tackle Polio eradication as a national public health emergency.
He said Polio vaccination activities are well organized in close collaboration with provinces and are directly overseen by the National, Provincial and Divisional Task Forces. He expressed commitment of his Government for complete eradication of polio from the country.
On the occasion, President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Development Division, Dr. Christopher Elias, delivered a letter from Bill Gates to the Prime Minister.
Director General WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also called on the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad on Tuesday.
He said that WHO has intensified its activities for eradication of Polio in coordination with Pakistan. He said polio would likely be eliminated from Pakistan by end of this year. He reiterated that WHO would continue its support to the efforts of Government of Pakistan to improve healthcare in the country.
The Foreign Minister, on the occasion, said WHO has been playing a vital role in the health sector of Pakistan. He emphasized that collaborative efforts at national, provincial and local levels would help in elimination of the disease and make Pakistan a zero polio country. He assured the delegation of full support in polio eradication and implementation of other health programmes in Pakistan in the days to come.
The Director General, World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghabreyesus also called on Planning Minister Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the government is committed to pursue pro-poor health approach and provide quality healthcare facilities to the people of the country.
He said that the Emergency Plan for Polio Eradication worth 986.3 million dollars has been given provisional approval subject to devising a robust monitoring mechanism for its smooth implementation.
DG WHO said that all partners are committed to support Pakistan in achieving universal health coverage goals and to finish polio virus completely from the country. He appreciated that Pakistan's plan for healthcare is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Aamer Mehmood Kiani says the government is undertaking major reforms in health sector which will bring significant betterment in healthcare of the people.
Addressing a joint news conference along with Director General WHO Dr.Tedros in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said we are preparing a comprehensive program the development of health sector in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Minister for National Health Services said WHO supports Pakistan to address different health care issues including eradication of polio.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General WHO Dr.Tedros said eradication of polio is our main objective and the government of Pakistan is fully committed to it.
He appreciated extraordinary efforts of the government for health care services and universal health coverage.
Talking to the WHO delegation, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said the government is considering to declare health basic human right.
She briefed the delegation on implementation of human rights laws in the country. She told the delegation that the Human Rights Ministry is also holding regular awareness campaigns to apprise people about the human rights.
She said the government is considering declaring health as basic right.
Shireen Mazari said that her ministry is working with all stakeholders over the issue of missing person.
