{"id":3194,"date":"2026-06-11T09:41:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T09:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2026-06-11T09:41:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T09:41:12","slug":"healthcare-is-a-national-security-issue-says-mustafa-kamal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=3194","title":{"rendered":"Healthcare Is a National Security Issue, Says Mustafa Kamal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ISLAMABAD:<\/strong> Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal<\/strong> has described healthcare as a national security issue<\/strong>, warning that Pakistan is at risk of becoming one of the countries most affected by various diseases unless urgent reforms are introduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking at a press conference on genome profiling in Islamabad, the minister stressed the need for modern healthcare technologies, preventive medicine, and improved diagnostic facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Over Growing Disease Burden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan faces a serious health challenge despite the absence of any major nationwide epidemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHealthcare is a national security issue. We are heading towards becoming number one in every disease,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that hospitals across the country are overcrowded with patients, indicating a widespread health crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is no major epidemic in the country, yet our hospitals resemble those dealing with epidemic conditions. Our system is focused on disease rather than health,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call for Modern Technology and Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The health minister emphasized that Pakistan must prioritize advanced medical technologies and modern diagnostic systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to him, many patients currently spend large amounts of money sending medical samples abroad for specialized testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are a nuclear power. We should have our own laboratories and advanced testing facilities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that the country spends between Rs200 billion and Rs300 billion annually<\/strong> on diseases that could potentially be prevented or diagnosed more effectively through better healthcare infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget Constraints but Continued Commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the financial challenges facing the health sector, saying budget reductions have affected many government departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, he maintained that the ministry remains committed to improving healthcare services despite limited resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBudget cuts are continuing, but we will not give up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on Preventive Healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The minister stressed that Pakistan must shift from a treatment-based system to a preventive healthcare model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of that strategy, he announced plans to expand screening services across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to move towards healthcare rather than simply treating illnesses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thalassemia Screening Before Marriage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the key initiatives highlighted by the minister was the introduction of mandatory thalassemia screening before marriage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the government is establishing screening centers and intends to make thalassemia testing a compulsory requirement for couples planning to marry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health experts have long argued that premarital screening can significantly reduce the number of children born with inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Population Growth and Brain Drain Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mustafa Kamal also pointed to Pakistan\u2019s rapidly growing population as a major challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that the country is projected to become the world\u2019s fourth most populous nation by 2030<\/strong>, placing additional pressure on healthcare services and public resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister further expressed concern about the growing trend of brain drain<\/strong>, where skilled professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEconomic difficulties and limited resources are making brain drain a serious issue. No country can afford to lose its talented people on such a scale,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need for Long-Term Reform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The minister concluded by emphasizing the importance of long-term planning, investment in medical infrastructure, and adoption of modern technologies to address Pakistan\u2019s healthcare challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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