Islamabad: Senator Amir Wali Uddin Chishti, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, presided over a detailed session today at the Parliament Lodges. The meeting centered on reviewing the Ministry of National Health Services’ current initiatives, focusing on the Sehat Sahulat Programme and the challenges in polio eradication efforts, as well as discussing future health policies including the Quaid-e-Azam Health Tower project.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session began with a comprehensive briefing by ministry officials who outlined the multifaceted strategy of their operations. Key initiatives such as the Sehat Sahulat Programme, which offers free health insurance to the economically vulnerable families, were discussed in detail. Senator Muhammad Humayun Mohmand emphasized the need to focus on this segment, noting the large number of people living below the poverty threshold.

The discussion also turned to the challenges in eradicating polio, particularly the complications arising from the Afghan repatriation. The upcoming health dialogue with Afghanistan in September aims to strengthen cooperation on this front. Additionally, the ambitious Quaid-e-Azam Health Tower, intended to enhance medical research and education, was scrutinized, with plans moving forward after feasibility studies.

Concerns about the healthcare workforce were addressed, with the revelation of a significant shortage of nurses and the non-practicing status of many registered doctors. The committee discussed revamping the Continuing Medical Education system and upgrading facilities like the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to improve healthcare access.

The meeting was attended by key figures including Senators Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Abdul Qudoos, and Liaqat Khan Tarakai, among others, underscoring the high level of engagement and commitment to advancing Pakistan’s health policies.