Islamabad: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC) recently convened the Second Meeting of the National Taskforce on Lifestyle Medicine (NTLM), chaired by Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal. The meeting aimed to evaluate the progress since its inaugural session and expedite the incorporation of lifestyle medicine into Pakistan’s healthcare framework.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting featured prominent figures such as Prof. Dr. Zafar Mirza, President of the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine, and Dr. Wali Khan, Director General of Health at the NHSRC, among others. These experts in public health and medical education discussed strategies to curb non-communicable diseases by promoting lifestyle-based interventions.

Among the key resolutions, the Federal Minister instructed the Taskforce to embed lifestyle medicine into medical education. The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) will be advised to integrate it into undergraduate curricula, while the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan will be asked to incorporate it into postgraduate programs. A subcommittee was also formed to develop educational modules.

Additionally, the Federal Minister approved a Healthy Food Kiosk within the Ministry, based on a Public-Private Partnership model, to promote healthy eating. This initiative aims to set a precedent for similar efforts in other public sector institutions.

The meeting underscored the necessity for Pakistan to transition from a treatment-centric healthcare model to one focused on prevention through healthy living. The Taskforce will continue to guide the adoption of lifestyle medicine into national health policies and community initiatives.

The Ministry emphasized its dedication to collaborating with academic and professional organizations, development partners, and the private sector to foster a healthier Pakistan through sustainable lifestyle interventions.