“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being”.
Islamabad, 7 March 2021 – Representatives of 8 partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to achieve universal health care (UHC) through the primary health care (PHC) approach on a recent mission to Pakistan. The agencies are all part of an initiative to better support countries to accelerate progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the "Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All".
During the mission from 1 to 5 March 2021, they reviewed their strategic collaboration and discussed at length ways to achieve the highest attainable standards of health in Pakistan, in line with the WHO Constitution, which enshrines ‘the right to health’ as an inalienable fundamental right of every human being. Representatives of provincial health departments also attended either in person or virtually.
Policy Forum
A high-level health policy forum, called "Primary health care for universal health coverage" was convened during the agencies' vist to Pakistan. Dr Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health expressed his appreciation of the mission's work and their discussions with federal and provincial health ministries and departments and noted their importance in identifying key areas for interventions.
The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari addressed the meeting virtually. He expressed his appreciation of the efforts of Dr Sultan, the Federal Minister of Health and Government of Pakistan, Global Action Plan partners, provincial line departments and all stakeholders and reaffirmed WHO's support to strengthening PHC in Pakistan.
Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, acknowledged the efforts of the Government in improving the health of the population. He made reference to the expansion in coverage of the health insurance (Sehat Sahulat) programme, which will be instrumental in reducing financial burden on poor and marginalized communities as a result of implementation of the UHC Benefit Package. “I am confident that these recommendations will facilitate the Government's efforts to develop strategies and plans for strengthening PHC services and securing sustainable financing to achieve UHC and implement the recently endorsed UHC Benefit Package.” He added that WHO was providing all support to the Government of Pakistan to expand UHC by investing in health systems, especially in PHC, to achieve the target by 2030. “I am very confident that with the current level of political commitment and implementation of UHC-related programmes and interventions, Pakistan will achieve this target,” he said.
While addressing the media Dr Mahipala said that the Pakistani media had always strongly supported national causes and affirmed that achieving UHC was one of the country's most important national aims. “I expect and urge the media to play a vital role in raising public awareness and advocating with relevant stakeholders. I am thankful to all agencies for participating in this mission and appreciate the efforts of all mission members.”
“Adaptation of the UHC investment case into provincial plans with a focus on strengthening district health governance, the Lady Health Workers Programme, and esnuring a robust health information system will accelerate progress twoards UHC through the PHC approach in Pakistan,” said Ms Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “Children and their mothers will benefit from essential health services, including immunization, through comprehensive PHC.”
Joint statement on primary health care for universal health coverage
At the end of the meeting, the primary health care for universal health coverage joint statement was signed by the representatives of federal and provincial health ministries and GAP partners.
In Pakistan, strengthening PHC and health financing reforms are key priorities for federal and provincial governments. Improvement in coverage and functionality of PHC is a strategic priority in the National Health Vision 2016–2025 and provincial health strategies.
The Government of Pakistan's UHC investment case sets out 6 key reforms that will underpin the implementation of the UHC Benefit Package. The findings of this mission have reinforced the validity and importance of these proposed reforms, for effective and efficient delivery. The reforms include:
- district governance strengthening;
- achieving a progressive increase and diversification of UHC financing, prioritizing the community and primary levels;
- strengthening human resources for health;
- ensuring the supply of essential commodities;
- ensuring equitable and resilient access to health services; and
- improving health care quality in both the public and private sectors, by implementing accountability and performance frameworks and strengthening the role of the health commission.
In the statement, participants renewed their commitment for a more aligned approach towards PHC for UHC, including through the SDG-3 Global Action Plan and Regional Health Alliance. They pledged to work together to build a sustainable PHC model, based on the three pillars of primary care and public health functions at the core of integrated health services, multisectoral policy and action and empowered people and communities.
The mission noted the lessons learned through the COVID-19 pandemic response and the need to build a resilient health system with PHC as its cornerstone which ensures emergency preparedness.