Federal
Minister for Saira Afzal Tarar National Health Services, said that This is the start of a small but
strategically very significant milestone that is to build a central warehouse
at national level which will meet not only the requirement of three priority
communicable diseases but could also serve the purpose of warehousing and
logistical support to other health programs. She was talking the signing
ceremony of contract agreement between Ministry of National Health Services,
Regulations and Coordination and NESPAK
The Federal
Minister said I would like to recall the year 2013, when this Ministry was
created not only to execute federal health related functions but also to provide
a common strategic vision for the health sector in Pakistan. The Government of
Pakistan approved the National Health Vision 2016-25 and committed to achieve
universal health coverage through efficient, equitable, accessible and
affordable health services.
Minister
said this warehouse should provide 'state of the art' warehousing and logistic
support not only for the AIDS, TB and Malaria programs but should also become a
role model for provinces for the best warehousing and logistic practices. Another
objective which that would be achieved through this initiative is to integrate
the supply chain management functions of the three national programs. This will
not only ensure efficiency by avoiding duplication of activities but will also
bring efficiency in available financial resources in the long term. such saving
we can be diverted towards other health needs in the country.
Minister
said availability of essential medicines and supplies especially to the poorest
people is an important indicator for the 'Universal Health Coverage Index' and
this step would be an effort to ensure better performance of Pakistan in this
area.
She congratulated NESPAK for winning the contract
for Engineering Consultancy Services for this warehouse. I am sure that NESPAK,
which has been a leader, for over last many years, in the area of Engineering
Services both at national or international level will deliver results in the
shortest possible time while ensuring no compromise on the quality.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
