True healthcare focuses on preventing disease before it occurs
Rapid population growth poses serious challenges in providing adequate hospitals
ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Thursday emphasised that the real concept of a healthy life revolves around prevention rather than treatment, stressing that developed societies prioritise investment in preventive healthcare.
Addressing the Pakistan Governance Forum titled “From Subsidies to Strategy: Delivering Competitiveness Through Reform,” he said treatment in hospitals is essentially “sick care,” while true healthcare focuses on preventing disease before it occurs. He noted that advanced countries invest heavily in preventive measures to reduce the burden of major diseases and improve overall public health outcomes.
The minister appreciated Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, for successfully organizing the forum. He said public awareness about governance challenges is essential, adding that the government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people.
Highlighting demographic challenges, Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan’s population is growing at an annual rate of about 2.5 percent, with more than six million children added each year.
“Our population is increasing every year by a number equivalent to the population of New Zealand,” he said, adding that Pakistan is currently the fifth most populous country in the world.
He warned that rapid population growth poses serious challenges in providing adequate hospitals, schools, and healthcare facilities. He stressed that even if GDP increases, the benefits would remain limited unless population growth is effectively managed.
The minister expressed concern over maternal and child health, revealing that approximately 11,000 mothers die each year during pregnancy or childbirth in Pakistan, calling it a “silent national tragedy.”
He added that children born to weak mothers often suffer from malnutrition and stunting, affecting their long-term development.
Mustafa Kamal said family planning is essential not only for population control but also to protect the lives of mothers and children. He further noted that more than 25 million children in Pakistan remain out of school, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national efforts.
He emphasized that serious dialogue and strategic reforms are necessary to ensure a healthy, balanced, and prosperous Pakistan, reiterating that the government is placing special focus on preventive healthcare to protect people from falling ill.
