Gilani demands govt implement agreement with PPP

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday called for implementation of the written agreement reached between the government and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Talking to the media here, Gilani said the PPP was not a part of the federal cabinet before and will not be in future. He explained that the PPP had reservations on which negotiations were ongoing. “When there is a final decision, everyone will be informed about it.”

He contended that in a civilized world, problems are solved only through negotiation, adding solution to all political problems is negotiation.

Addressing as a special guest at a seminar here, the Senate chairman said that collective efforts should be made to improve healthcare in Pakistan. He emphasized that access to the healthcare system is not only a basic human right but also the basis of national development.

The 18th Constitutional Amendment, he pointed out, has played an important role in empowering the provinces on health-related matters. Under the constitutional amendment, he noted the provinces can take steps to find local solutions according to the needs of their population. He said that devolution of powers has helped create a comprehensive, participatory framework for health, and it is time for collective efforts to improve healthcare in Pakistan.

The Senate chairman was of the view that the people should not only get the care they deserve but also create a society that values health as the foundation of development.

During his tenure as prime minister, Gilani recalled having taken concrete steps to strengthen the healthcare sector, proposing to focus on improving the primary health sector and closing the access gap between urban and rural areas.