Dr. Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization (WHO), along
with delegates, called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today
at PM Office.
While welcoming
the DG WHO to Pakistan, the Prime Minister extended felicitations to Dr.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on assuming the office of Director General of the
World Health Organization.
The Prime
Minister stated that Pakistan looks forward to working closely with WHO in
fighting disease and disability and ensuring equity in provision of health
services. Our National Health Vision is fully aligned to achieving goals under
health related Sustainable Development Goals, added the Prime
Minister.
The Prime
Minister apprised that the Government of Pakistan has undertaken major reforms
in the health sector over the last four years and the launch of
Prime Minister’s National Health Program which provides free of cost quality
health-care to the poorest of the poor is a historic achievement.
The Prime
Minister informed about Pakistan’s improved drugs’ regulatory regime, barcoding
of drugs, drug testing and surveillance at par with international standards and
marked improvement in immunization coverage of children.
He emphasized
that Pakistan remains strongly committed to the goal of Polio Eradication and
has made significant achievements acknowledged by the highest international
technical forums.
Director
General, WHO thanked the Prime Minister and the Government for hosting the 64th WHO
Regional Committee meeting of the Eastern Mediterranean Region being held in
Islamabad from 9th to 12th October. The
Director General stated that WHO wishes to enhance coordination in helping
Pakistan achieve its targets in the health sector reforms.
Mrs. Saira
Afzal Tarar Minister for National Health Services and other senior officials as
well as a team of delegates from WHO was also present during the meeting.
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