State Minister National Health Services and Regulations Saira Afzal Tarar, currently visiting Geneva to attend the Annual World Assembly, on Sunday participated in the meeting of the Health Ministers of the Common Wealth Region.
The Ministerial meeting discussed critical issues of importance in the health sector in the Commonwealth region including strengthened Universal Health coverage, health security and the role of the Global charter on Public Health.
Speaking at the panel discussions, Tarar stressed the importance of Universal Health Coverage as underpinned in the Sustainable Development Goals. Stressing the inextricable link between health and economy, she briefed the meeting about the recent launching of the Prime Minister's insurance scheme, aimed at providing free health care to impoverished populations.
Hospital-based care has received special attention as part of the programme providing free of cost treatment facilities for major ailments that require hospitalisation. The programme stands out as an example of Private public partnership in healthcare.
The Minister also introduced and solicited support for the candidature of Dr Sania Nishtar, Pakistan's candidate to the post of Director General WHO. Dr Nishtara, a prominent global health leader, with her extensive experience in public healthcare both from within and outside the government, has unique multi-sectoral experience especially in innovative solutions to public healthcare challenges.
The Minister shall attend the 69th Session of the World Health Assembly and meet her counterparts from various countries and representatives of international organisation in the coming days.