Health reforms first priority, says minister

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique said in a special message on the occasion of World Health Day that the main purpose of celebrating World Health Day is to make people aware of the importance of health.

‘We have to adopt a healthy lifestyle to lead a healthy life. A healthy population is the sign of a prosperous society. The ability to fight diseases also increases after innovation in the health sector. As per the vision of CM, we want to ensure equal access to health facilities for every citizen. Health reforms are the first priority, people should also adopt a healthy lifestyle. Health reforms have been started under the vision of ‘Healthy Punjab’.

The minister said that the Punjab government would not allow any reduction in funds for the improvement of public health facilities. This is the aim of starting Air Ambulance Service in Punjab. Government Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is being constructed in Lahore. Supply of free medicines in government hospitals has started, home delivery will also start soon.

The minister P&SHD Khawaja Imran Nazir, in his message in connection with World Health Day 2024, said that, as we approach World Health Day, it is crucial to reflect on our collective journey towards achieving health equity and addressing the disparities that hinder our progress. This year's theme, ‘Health for All: Protecting Everyone, Everywhere,’ resonates deeply with our ongoing efforts in Punjab's Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department.

Our commitment to ensuring health equity and quality service is unwavering. We recognise the interconnectedness of health with other social determinants and strive to create an environment where every individual has access to quality healthcare services without discrimination.

In Punjab, we have implemented various initiatives to bridge the gaps in healthcare access. From strengthening primary healthcare centres to expanding vaccination coverage, we are actively working to improve the health outcomes of our citizens, especially marginalized communities.

The vertical programmes of the health department play a pivotal role in preventing a range of communicable and non-communicable diseases, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public health. Through targeted interventions and initiatives, these programmes focus on disease prevention, early detection, and effective management. On this World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to health equity and solidarity.Together, we can create a healthier and more equitable future for everyone, he concluded.