Description

Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that had built health infrastructure down to the union council level. This was achieved in line with the recommendations of the original Alma Ata Declaration of 1979. However, since that time the health system has remained static and deteriorated as evidenced by various publications and reviews. The issues encountered in control of TB, Polio, Hepatitis and more recently the exotic and life-threatening outbreaks in Sindh may be considered highly indicative of the urgent need to address health system challenges anew.

In this regard, the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its Health in All Policies approach has lent renewed impetus for health reform in the country. This overall direction has significant traction at present as it ties directly to the post-devolution efforts being made in the provinces by the Health Sector Reform Units (HSRUs). This internal push for change is mirrored by the requirements of Pakistan’s current global engagements apart from SDGs such as the International Health Regulations (IHR). Primary Health Care is also being strengthened with the introduction and adoption of the 3rd Edition of WHO Disease Control Priorities (DCP3).