Does Centre need two health ministers?

ISLAMABAD: After a year without any health minister, Pakistan’s federal health ministry now has two — Syed Mustafa Kamal as the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, and Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath as the Minister of State for Health.

This surprising decision raises critical questions about the rationale behind appointing two ministers for a ministry that has little direct control over the country’s healthcare system, which stands devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment.

The federal health ministry only manages four hospitals in Islamabad directly: the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Services Hospital (Polyclinic), National Institute of Rehabilitative Medicines (NIRM), and Federal General Hospital (FGH).

Other institutions like the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) function as independent regulatory bodies, with no direct ministerial oversight.

Given this limited jurisdiction, the appointment of two ministers appears excessive, particularly in a time of economic constraints, and especially so when the government itself is carrying out a massive rightsizing exercise to save funds.

Just last year, the federal government was considering devolving its limited health facilities in Islamabad to either the Ministry of Interior, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), or another division. Another proposal suggested creating a regulatory authority, modeled after the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), to oversee these hospitals.

With pressing public health issues such as the polio eradication campaign, increasing drug shortages, and an underfunded healthcare system, Pakistan needs strong and coherent health leadership. Those well-versed with health affairs wonder would a top heavy health ministry guarantee efficiency!

Health experts say federal health ministry’s primary role should be focused on formulating policy, coordinating with provinces, and strengthening regulatory oversight — tasks that hardly require two ministers.

Upon assuming office, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal was welcomed by senior officials, including Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mehboob on Monday.

Kamal chaired an introductory meeting where he was briefed on the operations of PMDC, DRAP, the Pakistan Nursing Council, polio eradication efforts, and public hospitals. Speaking at the occasion, he emphasized the importance of the ministry’s role in public service.

“Allah Almighty loves His creation, and serving humanity is the greatest form of worship,” Kamal remarked, adding that he aims to make meaningful policy changes that will benefit the public.

Meanwhile, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath also assumed charge as Minister of State for Health. “We must work together to build an efficient healthcare system that delivers for all Pakistanis,” he stated.