'Health sector key to govt's agenda for social uplift'

Sherry Rehman emphasized that affordability and accessibility are two important priorities of the drug policy structure being pursued by the government. “Our policy decisions for drug pricing are guided by our commitment to protect consumers interests while also facilitate a favorable environment for investment in the pharmaceutical sector.”

She said that the government is expanding the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) programme initiated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 1994. “The LHW programme is the backbone of country’s health sector. It has made the most valuable contribution in implementing government’s  healthcare programmes while also serving to the primary healthcare needs of the communities at their doorsteps. We are raising the strength of the LHWs doubling their number to 200,000. The first phase of the programme’s expansion has already been carried out.”

Sherry Rehman informed the delegation of the recent visit of the US Secretary of Health. She said Pakistan and the US government have had a series of meaningful interactions and both sides are keen to explore avenues for investment and development of Pakistan’s health sector.