Government Opts to Retain 1 Health Ministry, Plans Structural Reforms

The federal government has decided against abolishing the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination, despite earlier discussions suggesting otherwise, ARY News reported, citing sources. Instead, the government plans to streamline and right-size the ministry by merging some of its departments, a move aimed at improving efficiency and healthcare service delivery across the country.

Structural Changes and Coordination Efforts

According to insiders, the ministry will undergo significant restructuring. Key departments within the ministry will be merged, while others may be reassigned or absorbed into different areas. This reorganization aims to eliminate redundancy, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the ministry’s ability to coordinate more effectively with international organizations and provincial health authorities.

Sources have indicated that the National Emergency Health Services will be integrated into the National Health Institute as part of these reforms. Additionally, the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore is set to be handed over to the Punjab government, a decision aimed at decentralizing healthcare management and improving local governance of medical facilities.

Uncertain Future for Under-Construction Hospitals

The government is also deliberating on the future of an under-construction hospital in Rawalpindi. While the transfer of this facility to the Punjab government is under consideration, no final decision has been made. This ongoing deliberation reflects the complexity of managing healthcare infrastructure at both the federal and provincial levels.

Outsourcing and Service Reallocation

In another significant development, the government is considering outsourcing certain services in hospitals located in Islamabad. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery by leveraging private sector expertise and efficiency. Additionally, the Malaria Directorate is expected to become part of the Common Management Unit, streamlining its operations and aligning it more closely with other national health initiatives.

Right-Sizing Committee Yet to Finalize Recommendations

Despite these planned changes, the government’s right-sizing committee has not yet finalized its report. The committee, which is reviewing five federal ministries, including the Ministry of National Health Services, is expected to make recommendations that could further shape the future of these ministries. The outcome of this review will determine the final structure and scope of the health ministry’s operations.

Background: PM Shehbaz’s Directive and Bilawal Bhutto’s Advocacy

The decision to retain the Ministry of National Health Services comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially directed the abolition of five federal ministries. This directive was reportedly in response to recommendations from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had been advocating for the reduction of certain federal ministries as part of broader governmental reforms.

In line with the Prime Minister’s earlier instructions, relevant ministries had begun working on plans to provide recommendations for the abolition of these ministries. However, it now appears that the government has reconsidered its approach to the health ministry, opting instead for a strategic restructuring that maintains the ministry while addressing inefficiencies and overlaps.

Moving Forward

As the government moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on implementing these structural changes effectively. The goal is to create a more efficient and responsive Ministry of National Health Services that can better meet the healthcare needs of the population while maintaining strong coordination with international partners and provincial governments. The success of these reforms will ultimately depend on careful execution and continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across Pakistan.