PM forms new health task force

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has constituted another health task force to address Pakistan’s pressing healthcare challenges.

The task force comprises retired military doctors, vice-chancellors of medical universities, and senior officials from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHS, R&C). It is chaired by Maj Gen (Retd) Azhar Mahmood Kayani, Chairman of NICVD and former Commandant of AFIC/NIHD, with the NHS Coordinator as its co-chair.

Members include Prof Muhammad Umar, Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University, Maj Gen (Retd) Saleem Khan, Professor of Clinical Hematology at NUMS; Prof Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, the Secretary of NHS, Maj Gen (Retd) Najam us Saqib Khan, Dr Raisa Gul, Dean of Nursing at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat Medical College, Dr Rana Safder, former Director General Health, and Dr Abdul Ghaffar, Senior Public Health Specialist at the Global Forum for Health Research in Geneva. The Director General Health serves as the secretary of the task force, with provisions to co-opt additional members as needed.

Critics have raised concerns over the dominant representation of clinicians, who, they argue, may lack the perspective required to address health system and community challenges.

“While clinicians bring essential expertise, transforming healthcare delivery requires a broader understanding of system dynamics and community needs,” an expert remarked.

“The forum’s intent to provide strategic direction is commendable,” noted a senior health policymaker. “However, there is a need for diverse representation and an in-depth understanding of the health system, which includes preventive, promotive, and curative perspectives.”

Despite criticism, the task force’s intent has merit. An analyst stated, “Such forums are vital for strategic direction, but their success hinges on addressing systemic issues and delivering actionable outcomes. Without tackling root causes like inadequate funding and lack of coordination, the task forces may produce limited results, keeping Pakistan’s healthcare system in crisis.”