HEALTH MQM believes that access to a quality healthcare system is a right of every Pakistani regardless of his/her income level and social status. MQM stresses upon primary and preventative healthcare, instead of the tertiary healthcare, which has been the main stay of the Health Policy in Pakistan for the last 65 years. MQM is cognizant of the poor health status of the population, with the factors affecting it such as, over population, high infant and maternal mortality rates, problem of governance and regulation of health sector amongst many others that contribute to the poor health indicators of the nation. In order to transform the slogan 'health for all” into reality, MQM proposes the following measures: Pursuing a three pronged strategy: To ensure that the Federation plays an effective role in regulating health sector and not only seeks support from international health organizations but also implements measures suggested by them. To continue to empower the Provinces to frame policies and plans for provision of healthcare at provincial level under the 18th Amendment. To restore the role of the Local Governments in effective implementation and monitoring of on-ground activities. MQM proposes measures to develop a comprehensive strategy that international and national organizations can partner with; Targeting population planning, as this is the most important issue that is not receiving the attention it deserves. Targeting primary health care with the focus on environmental concerns and public healthcare, especially water and sanitation. Ensuring full coverage of EPI (Extended Program of Immunisation). MQM pledges to eradicate polio through a countrywide sustainable Anti Polio Vaccination Drive by encouraging citizens’ participation. Increase public expenditure on health from 0.6 % to 5% of GDP during next five years. To ensure effective and efficient utilization of finances, MQM proposes to increase the healthcare allocation at Federal, Provincial as well as Local level. Removal of bottlenecks in the utilization of funds and fund transfers also needs to be streamlined for the purpose. Establish, strengthen and equip hospitals in every district and health care centers in every village of the country. Establish institutions for training nurses, lady health-visitors, midwives and other paramedical staff in every district. Develop a trained administrative cadre in health to improve the efficiency of health administration at district and provincial level. Task shifting through Telemedicine, referral links and highly improved information system to eliminate the physician shortage. Introduction of low cost and subsidized health insurance schemes by the government for all citizens. Effective utilization of Zakat fund in health sector. Encourage private sector to initiate employee-contribution-based schemes to provide health coverage for all employees. Harnessing the potential of the private sector by building in transparent mechanisms, so that the sector is more open for service providers, especially in remote areas. For preventive care the Basic Health Unit (BHU) level, the involvement of the private sector with its ability to reach out to communities will be further strengthened. Take measures to lower the prices of medicines, rationalization of import policy of raw material for manufacturing the medicines locally will make medicines affordable for an ordinary man. Effectively implement the legislation for curbing the purchase and sale of organs for transplantation. Ensuring facilities and awareness about the problems faced by disabled people so that they have easy access to healthcare and quality of life improves. Developing a service structure to make the sector attractive enough for medics and paramedics to stay and serve in the country. Incentives for promoting private practice at the government institutions for making them more affordable, effective and transparent Establishment of an independent and transparent "Health Services Reform Commission" that can advise and liaise with different stakeholders, engage in research, maintain a clearing house for research, set and ensure standards for improving quality of care, and advocate cost effective and efficient solutions to healthcare issues. Targeting HR discrepancies through initiatives that are commonly viable, with the right incentives, and that can generate income for the sector. This includes training of paramedics to improve the paramedics to doctors’ ratio, training of the pharmacists and other relevant cadres in existing schools by expansion and up gradation. Developing and enacting contingency planning for emergencies. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) should be revived and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) strengthened for the purpose while the working of the disaster management authorities has to be re thought to be more inclusive and transparent
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:39:25 +0000
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