Child health is priority of the govt: Saira

ISLAMABAD, March 29: Minister National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar, said that Mother and Child Health is a priority of the government and there is the strongest political will and commitment in this area. She was addressing Inaugural session of South Asia the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Innovations meeting here on Tuesday. She said, eminent experts participating in this regional conference are working hard to make this region a healthier place for all mothers and children and this meeting I am confident will help in identifying of our common challenges, opportunities, sharing of best practices and innovations in the area. Minister said, Prime Minister of Pakistan takes special interest in the area and has himself accorded approval to holding of this regional conference. Last year the Prime Minister in a high level meeting of international and national leaders in health directed stock taking of the situation of maternal and child health and carve a comprehensive action plan with identified priority areas at national and provincial levels.
She said, ipon directives of Prime Minister of Pakistan, we have developed a ten point national action plan for National Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH). The plan is helping to set national priorities, sets out clear budgeted targets and puts a strong focus on social determinants and addressing inequities in health while prioritizing a multi-sectorial approach with strong links to nutrition, reproductive health and family planning. Secretary National Health Services Muhammad Ayub Sheikh said.-PR