PM Shehbaz calls for bridging gap in health sector

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday referred to the global disparity in the health sector as ‘the foremost problem,’ urging for efforts to narrow the divide between the global south and the global north.

Sharing his insights during a session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on global health, the prime minister highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic had laid bare the glaring gaps in health provisions and vaccine distribution between the global north and global south.

He noted that the landscape had been further altered by climate change. Despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global emissions, he lamented the severe impact of climate-triggered floods in 2022, which inflicted substantial infrastructure damage, leading to the expenditure of billions in rehabilitation efforts.

Prime Minister Shehbaz questioned the feasibility of developing countries like Pakistan in affording costly loans for such endeavors, stressing the necessity of resources for providing adequate health facilities. Emphasizing the urgency to bridge the gap between the Global South and Global North, he shared personal experiences, highlighting the exorbitant costs of treating diseases like cancer for Pakistan’s impoverished population.

Also read: World Health Day 2024: Advocating for global wellness

Reflecting on his tenure as chief minister of Punjab, he recounted initiatives aimed at providing quality medical care to the province’s 130 million inhabitants, including screening and treatment facilities for Hepatitis in remote areas. He also mentioned the establishment of a state-of-the-art kidney and liver hospital in Punjab, offering free treatment to underprivileged patients.

Regarding the 2011 Dengue outbreak in the province, he described it as a significant challenge in the health sector. However, with the mobilization of experts, equipment, and cooperation from various sectors, they successfully controlled the outbreak with limited resources, serving as a noteworthy case study for global health initiatives.

The prime minister expressed gratitude towards the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support in polio eradication campaigns and humanitarian assistance during the 2022 floods.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized collective efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), expressing concerns over maternal and child mortality rates and the lack of access to basic services for billions worldwide.

Participants highlighted the escalating conflicts impacting health sector requirements and stressed the importance of resource-rich countries aiding vulnerable communities. They underscored the necessity of increased investments in the health sector.