Sunday, November 24, 2019

Healthcare on top

If the government wants to fix its dysfunctional public health services, it must first demonstrate political commitment – even if the national consensus on a health vision has come 15 years after a previously failed policy. That said, the new healthcare blueprint, the National Health Vision, is a move in the right direction. Overhauling the state-owned health sector not only requires that health be put at the top of the priority list, but increased funding, efficient cross-sector linkages and medical training are also imperative. However, with financial constraints, it is judicious to triage areas with the goal of maximising health access and ensuring quality and affordability. This approach, particularly in primary health, disease prevention, universal coverage and service monitoring could eliminate disparities in provision.It has been observed that when the wider world of public health and well-being is grim, education, gender equality and employment will be adversely impacted, putting the brakes on economic prosperity. Increasing spending to three percent by 2025 will benefit healthcare, which is currently allocated 0.6 percent of GDP – though more money is not the only solution. When strategising, the government must know that poverty results in health conditions controllable with low-cost medical interventions at the primary- and secondary-care levels. Also, government-funded medical facilities cover only part of the population's demands because few offer specialised care. This has led to the mushrooming of an unregulated private sector with disparate services and prices. If hardly 20 percent of the population uses primary healthcare systems, then coverage and functionality need improvement. When the government pays lip service to human development on international podiums while their citizens go to bed ill and hungry, it is reflective of a disinterested state without foresight. While implementing the NHV, it is critical that this government-led initiative pledging universal health access is independently monitored by either international donors or local advocacy/citizen groups ensuring those in need of healthcare are not deprived for yet another generation.Bilal ShabbirIslamabad

from The News International - Newspost https://ift.tt/34jgObb

Related Posts:

  • A league of our ownFor a country that remained deprived of any form of international cricket, a domestic league did wonders to bring cricket back. The fourth season of the PSL shows that the league has been a success. This time, eight matches w… Read More
  • Gas billsYesterday, a sanitary worker in my area approached me and showed his gas bill. The amount was Rs40,000. He asked me whether he should pay the bill and let his family starve or hang himself. I leave it to the authorities to an… Read More
  • Being a superpowerAmerica’s ambitions to invade resource-abundant countries and then to either bring them under its direct or indirect control or install a puppet regime are an open secret now. With the collaboration of Western powers, it firs… Read More
  • Tough decisionsThe PTI government will have to take a few tough and unpopular decisions to meet the conditions of the IMF. While the removal of subsidies will help keep the circular debt in control, it will cause high inflation and an unres… Read More
  • Dangerous wiresDuring every rainy season, a few rain-related accidents end up claiming the lives of tens of people. Naked, broken wires that hang from the poles pose threats to residents. Unlike developed countries which are using 110-volt … Read More

0 comments:

Post a Comment