A consultative session on the “Punjab health system strengthening” was held at P&D Board, Lahore.
Chairman P&D Board Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo graced the session.
VCs of Leading Health Universities, Officers of Health depts and reps of national & international health organizations participated.
In his opening remarks, Chairman P&D Board, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo extended a warm welcome to all the participants and stated that the goal of this consultative session is to gather recommendations from health sector experts to strengthen the Punjab's healthcare system focusing on overall service delivery.
Additionally, He stated that we need to alter the strategy to support health projects, and involve the relevant stakeholders and experts to better understanding of our needs and delivery for better execution and therefore, inputs from all notable stakeholders are crucial. Moreover, Chairman P&D Board stated that we need to incorporate innovative approaches and initiatives to improve and strengthen the health system.
VC King Edward Medical College Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ayaz while addressing the session said that in addition to improving education to generate qualified medical and paramedic professionals, we also need to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality medications and equipment. He also pointed out that Telemedicine can significantly improve the accessibility to the health services and should be included in the mainstream delivery of the Government.
VC Fatima Jinnah Medical University Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal gave a presentation on the post-graduation options in Pakistan and gave suggestions to address the difficulties in developing medical education strategies and underlined the importance of working with both domestic and foreign partners.
VC University of Child Health Sciences Prof Dr Masood Sadiq said that high population growth rate and a hidden burden of under nutrition/malnutrition are the main cause of disturbing health standards and shared the recommendation to strengthen the community engagement and mobilization component of the LHW program with focus on preventive care, strengthening of facilities at DHQs, THQs, RHCs, and BHUs.
Member (Health, Nutrition, & Population) P&D Board Dr Shahinshah Faisal Azim moderated the session.
Representatives of UNICEF, World Bank, UNDP, WHO, GIZ, Shalamar Medical College, Lahore Medical & Dental College, Central Park Medical College, FMH college, Population Welfare, P&SH, SHC&MED, Sundas Foundation participated. 01.12.2023