ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to advancing the global agenda on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), emphasizing the pivotal role of governments in ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
In his message on Universal Health Coverage Day, the Prime Minister highlighted this year’s theme, “Health: It’s on the government,” which underlines the responsibility of states to guarantee that citizens are not forced to choose between healthcare and basic necessities like food, shelter, or education.
“It is our moral imperative as a government to make healthcare accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that any compromise on healthcare endangers the nation’s security, prosperity, and development.
Shehbaz Sharif pointed to the government’s transformative efforts, particularly the Sehat Sahulat Program, which provides free health coverage to millions of families and has received international acclaim from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). He also noted the significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and the provision of essential medicines, especially in rural and underserved regions.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the health-related targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He pledged continued collaboration with the UN and other international partners to uphold health as a fundamental human right.
“Health must remain a national priority,” the Prime Minister concluded, stressing the importance of a unified global effort to make universal healthcare a reality.
