Sindh govt committed to Strengthening Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage: Murad Shah

Sindh govt committed to Strengthening Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage: Murad Shah

KARACHI (April 15): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government's strong commitment to enhancing primary health care (PHC) as a cornerstone for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Pakistan.

This he said while speaking at the National Symposium on Primary Health Care: Foundation for Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan, which Aga Khan University (AKU) organised at its Karachi campus.

In his keynote address, the chief minister commended AKU for facilitating a timely and crucial dialogue that aligns with both global health priorities and the Sindh Government's vision for a healthier population.

“Health has always been a central focus of our policies and planning in Sindh,” Mr Shah stated, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the urgency of establishing a resilient health system, with primary care at its heart.

Murad Shah outlined several key reforms and investments from the Sindh Government, including improvements to tertiary care and a targeted expansion of PHC services. He accentuated the province's efforts in addressing non-communicable diseases and enhancing community-based health delivery through programs like the Lady Health Worker (LHW) initiative, originally launched by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in the 1990s.

He also remarked on the essential role of public- private partnerships in health service delivery, particularly in urban environments. He referenced successful models such as the Peoples Primary Health Initiative and the outsourcing of district hospitals to specialized NGOs as scalable examples.

Since the devolution under the 18th Amendment, Sindh has significantly increased its health budget, especially in preventive and primary care. Despite the advancements, Shah recognised that some regions still confront enduring health challenges and emphasised the need for collaborative learning platforms like the Primary Health Care Learning Agenda led by AKU.

“Real health progress requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he stated, advocating for the integration of health in all sectors—from transportation planning to climate resilience.

The Chief Minister concluded by assuring that the Government of Sindh would thoughtfully consider the symposium recommendations and persist in its journey toward a healthier Sindh and a healthier Pakistan.