The National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) hosted a Round Table Discussion titled, “Devolution of Healthcare System: Challenges and Dynamics” on January 23, 2024, at the National School of Public Policy.
Distinguished speakers included Health Ministers: Dr. Javaid Akram (Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, Punjab), Dr. Jamal Nasir (Punjab), and Dr. Amir M. Khan Jogezai (Balochistan), Dr. Faisal Sultan, Consultant at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Dr. Shahid Malik, Head of Community Medicine at Sahara Medical College, Narowal, Syed Moazzam Ali, Additional Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination and Mr. Muhammad Iqbal, Special Secretary Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Punjab. The speakers engaged in a substantive discourse on the post-devolution period (2010-2023), elucidating critical challenges such as financial constraints, donor dependencies, the absence of robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and floods and COVID-19 challenges. Thus, shedding light on the intricacies of restructuring public services and primary healthcare.
Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean National Institute of Public Policy, opened the discussion, introduced the august panelists and gave the floor to NIPP’s research team for an analysis of opinions from health practitioners and administrators on the challenges and dynamics of the healthcare system post-devolution.
Dr. Ijaz Munir, Rector of the National School of Public Policy, emphasized the importance of such dialogues, stating that understanding the challenges and opportunities post-devolution is crucial for shaping healthcare policy and healthcare service delivery. Further, he underscored that the dialogue is a continuation of and a platform for informed discussions leading to actionable policy recommendations.
Looking ahead, the roundtable proposed a future course of action, emphasizing the importance of inter-provincial coordination, accountability for initiatives, and capacity enhancements within the health workforce. The speakers collectively asserted their commitment to advancing a comprehensive and integrated healthcare system in Pakistan.
The outcomes of this discussion are poised to influence policy-making, fostering collaborative solutions to surmount the challenges highlighted. This gathering marks a significant step towards the evolution of a robust and responsive healthcare system.
