ISLAMABAD Oct 10 (APP): 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. APP Hamza/VNS Islamabad
