Pakistan shifting from sick-care to preventive healthcare system: Health Minister

Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has said that Pakistan’s current healthcare system is more of a “sick-care system” rather than a preventive healthcare model, stressing the need for major structural reforms.

Speaking at a health and nutrition conference, he said the country’s existing system focuses mainly on treating diseases instead of preventing them. He emphasised that Pakistan must shift towards a preventive healthcare approach to reduce the burden on hospitals.

The minister stated that building more hospitals and hiring doctors alone is not enough, and the entire healthcare ecosystem needs to be transformed. He also urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the spread of diseases.

He highlighted that rapid population growth is putting additional pressure on the healthcare system, making population control an important policy challenge for the country.

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Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said it had exposed weaknesses in even the most advanced healthcare systems, proving that no superpower can manage a sudden surge of patients without strain.

Mustafa Kamal added that the Ministry of Health, with the support of international experts, has developed a new national health strategy aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and disease prevention.

He said the goal is to reduce patient load in hospitals and ensure people remain healthier for longer periods through early prevention and better awareness.

The minister also pointed out shortages in hospitals, doctors, and medical staff, along with issues such as lack of clean drinking water and access to essential medicines, calling these key challenges for the healthcare system.

He reiterated that improving Pakistan’s healthcare system is a national priority and requires both policy reforms and public cooperation.