ISLAMABAD
\nMinistry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath stressed the importance of digital health innovation, noting that Pakistan is expanding telemedicine, mobile health solutions, and data-driven systems to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.
\nHe made these remarks, while addressing the 9th SCO Health Ministers\u2019 Meeting, under the theme \u201cState Policy of Prevention and Management of Public Health,\u201d said a press release here on Monday.
\nAddressing the distinguished gathering, Dr Bharath expressed appreciation to the Government of Kyrgyzstan for its leadership as Chair of the SCO and commended its efforts in fostering regional collaboration in public health. He also acknowledged the SCO Secretariat for its role in organizing a productive and forward-looking meeting.
\nDuring his address, he also highlighted the potential for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to collaborate in developing resilient and interoperable digital health systems. Reaffirming Pakistan\u2019s commitment to regional cooperation, Dr Bharath emphasized the country\u2019s resolve to work closely with SCO member states to promote health and well-being in line with the SCO Programme of Cooperation in Public Health and joint epidemic response strategies.
\nHighlighting Pakistan\u2019s evolving health policy framework, the Minister underscored the country\u2019s strategic shift from \u201csick care\u201d to proactive, prevention-focused healthcare. He noted that Pakistan\u2019s approach is guided by global commitments to strengthening primary health care and achieving Universal Health Coverage.
\nHe also drew attention to ongoing challenges in maternal and child health, particularly in regions facing high fertility rates, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases. He shared that the Government of Pakistan has recently drafted the National Health and Population Policy (2026\u20132035), aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving population health outcomes.
\nOn regional health security, he reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities. He emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches, resource sharing, and innovation to effectively address public health emergencies and natural disasters.
\nHe further highlighted the growing trend of Pakistani students pursuing medical education in SCO countries, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, where over 7,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in medical institutions. He underscored the importance of maintaining high standards in medical education and promoting academic exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
\nIn his concluding remarks, Dr Bharath reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to advancing prevention-focused health policies, strengthening primary healthcare, and deepening collaboration within the SCO framework to achieve equitable and sustainable health outcomes.
\nOn behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, he extended a warm invitation to SCO member states for the next Health Ministers\u2019 Meeting to be hosted in Pakistan in 2027.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath stressed the importance of digital health innovation, noting that Pakistan is expanding telemedicine, mobile health solutions, and data-driven systems to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility. He made these remarks, while addressing the 9th SCO Health Ministers\u2019 Meeting, under the theme \u201cState […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":530932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-542932","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n