Minister of Health Mustafa Kamal Warns of Population Growth’s Negative Impact on Planning

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, has expressed concerns over the growing population of Pakistan, describing it as a critical issue that is rendering the country’s planning efforts ineffective. During a meeting with the CEO of Helion Pakistan Limited, who briefed him on services in the pharmaceutical sector, Minister Kamal highlighted the urgency of addressing the population growth, which is severely affecting national development.
He pointed out that by 2030, Pakistan is expected to become the world’s fourth-largest country in terms of population. With a current fertility rate of 3.6%, the government aims to reduce it to 2. He emphasized that effective family planning is crucial to manage this explosive growth.
The Minister also addressed the lack of a comprehensive sewage treatment system in Pakistan, stating that there are no effective plans in place to deal with this issue. He further revealed that 68% of diseases in the country are spread due to contaminated water, making the provision of clean water a top priority for the government. To tackle this, the government is working to implement sewage treatment systems across the country.
In addition, Kamal acknowledged the weaknesses in the country’s primary healthcare system, which is being strengthened through the introduction of telemedicine initiatives. This will allow doctors and medicines to reach people at their doorstep. He also noted that the burden on major hospitals is increasing daily, making it essential to reinforce the healthcare system at all levels.
A roadmap for improving and strengthening the healthcare system has already been established, and the Minister stressed that prevention is better than cure. The government is actively pursuing reforms to enhance the healthcare sector and prevent people from falling ill.