M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: Acting President and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani Tuesday inaugurated a newly established Wellness Center at the Health Services Academy (HSA) in Islamabad, while also opening the 14th Annual International Public Health Conference.
Emphasizing the need for equitable and accessible healthcare across Pakistan, Yousuf Raza Gillani said healthcare is not just about treatment; it’s about creating conditions that improve people’s health.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that affordable and high-quality healthcare reaches all Pakistanis, especially those in underserved areas, and affirmed that improving health facilities remains a key priority for the government.
The public health conference brought together prominent figures in the public health sector, with Acting President Gillani acknowledging HSA’s long-standing contributions to advancing healthcare and education in Pakistan.
Reflecting on his earlier support of the institution, he recalled inaugurating the Information Resource Center and helping establish the Prime Minister’s Health Complex at the National Institute of Health. He highlighted that HSA’s continued federal alignment is crucial for sustaining its role as a national leader in public health initiatives, pledging ongoing support to maintain its federal status.
Yousuf Raza Gillani also praised the role of his former Principal Secretary, Nargis Sethi, in supporting the establishment of the Health Services Academy, emphasizing that effective healthcare service delivery relies on professional skills and resources for health workers.
He called for legislative and policy measures to provide a conducive environment for healthcare innovation, investment, and research, asserting that “by understanding social and lifestyle factors, we can design better policies to address health issues.”
Addressing the ongoing needs in Pakistan’s health sector, he assured the audience that concerns raised by HSA would be addressed through the Senate Standing Committee on Health. Gillani also highlighted the importance of integrating research and innovation into healthcare services to improve medical treatment, particularly in rural areas that often lack adequate facilities.
The acting president also administered the oath to newly inducted allied health professionals, marking a significant step in workforce development at HSA. He was joined by Zamurd Khan, President of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC), who emphasized the council’s mission to strengthen allied health services in Pakistan.
Both leaders underlined the need for AHPC to remain distinct from the Pakistan Nursing Council, citing the unique and essential role that each council plays within the healthcare sector.
This year’s International Public Health Conference, organized by HSA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, focuses on “Transforming Research into Action: Redefining Public Health through Social and Behavioral Change.”
The conference, running from November 5 to 6, has drawn participation from global entities including the World Bank, the World Health Organization, as well as representatives from national and international NGOs, health experts, researchers, and policymakers.
Vice Chancellor HSA Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan highlighted that the conference serves as a vital platform for addressing emerging health challenges, advocating for the integration of modern research and technology to tackle pressing public health issues.
Dr. Khan elaborated on the key themes of the conference, which include strengthening health systems through social and behavioral change, improving health outcomes by addressing social and gender norms, and leveraging technological innovation to advance public health. These discussions aim to foster collaborative efforts among experts from various fields to drive actionable solutions for Pakistan’s healthcare challenges, he added.
He said the inauguration of the Wellness Center represents a milestone in HSA’s commitment to providing hands-on training and holistic healthcare education, enhancing its capacity to equip future health professionals.
Prominent HSA faculty members, including Registrar Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director of Quality Assurance Nadeem Sajjad Kayani, Technical Lead Dr. Babar Tasneem Sheikh, Deputy Controller of Examinations Dr. Khalid Iqbal Malik, and Conference Coordinator Dr. Sameena Khalid, attended the event in support of these developments.
Zamurd Khan, patron of Pakistan Sweet Home, called for reviewing the government’s proposed merger of the Allied Health Professionals Council with the Pakistan Nursing Council, arguing that both entities have distinct functions and that a merger could complicate their respective missions.
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