Islamabad, 14 June 2022 (TDI): Pakistan believes there is a need for enhanced international cooperation and assistance to strengthen national health systems and ensure all people enjoy the fundamental right to health.
These remarks were delivered by the Federal Minister of Health, Abdul Qadir Patel while talking to the Ambassador of Iran, Syed Muhammad Ali Hosseini.
Director-General of Health Dr. Rana Safdar was also present during the meeting. Consequently, the meeting between the Ambassador of Iran and the Federal Minister of Health focused on the commonality of views on global public health issues.
The Minister lauded that Iran and Pakistan enjoy long-standing brotherly relations. In the year 2022, the two countries will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Ambassador of Iran Mr. Syed Muhammad Ali Hosseini made a courtesy call to the Federal Minister of Health Abdul Qadir Patel. Minister lauded that Pakistan and Iran enjoy long-standing brotherly relations. Both countries have a commonality of views on global public health issues. pic.twitter.com/chGgqoUcsZ
— Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan (@nhsrcofficial) June 14, 2022
While emphasizing the need for better coordination and enhanced consultations, the Federal Minister reiterated that Iran has carried out excellent reforms in the Health sector and improved access to healthcare services.
In addition, the country has made remarkable progress in extending health insurance coverage as well.
Collaborative Initiatives
Meanwhile, the Health Minister noted some significant initiatives for collaboration, including enhanced cross-border cooperation for infectious diseases control and exchange of experts for technical assistance on Universal Health Coverage, focusing on strengthening public health and primary health care delivery.
Furthermore, he noted that exchanging healthcare financing experts for lesson sharing and guidance for developing healthcare financing policies can also strengthen alliances between countries.
Also, he highlighted that cooperation in medical training and research and assistance to medical professionals by granting fellowships from respective institutions can enhance medical workers’ capacity.
Lastly, the Health Minister emphasized cooperation in developing mental health infrastructure and training mental health services in outreach facilities to facilitate international collaboration.
Global Health Coverage
Subsequently, the leaders from both countries focused on enhancing cooperation at the global level. In the global health context, both countries should work closely with the other EMRO Member States and WHO to realize tangible measures to promote health remains at the forefront of the global development agenda.
Therefore, the respective missions of both countries in Geneva can work closely and exchange views on necessary negotiations on the proposed pandemic treaty, International Health Regulations amendments, and sustainable finances of WHO.
In addition, the Minister highlighted that the new instrument should be based on equity, solidarity, inclusiveness, and transparency. Also, it should ensure an adequate balance of countries’ legal rights and obligations at different development levels.
On this occasion, the Iranian Ambassador invited the Minister of Health, Abdul Qadir Patel, to visit Iran, which was welcomed and accepted by the Minister of Health.
