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Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal assured that Karachi will soon hear ‘good news’ from the federal government regarding the health sector.
During a visit to the Central Drugs Testing Laboratory, Kamal addressed media representatives, stating that major reforms are underway, particularly in the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
He warned of a crackdown on malpractice in the pharmaceutical sector and announced plans to liberalize the medicine market to improve accessibility.
Kamal stressed that 70 percent of patients in large hospitals could be treated at local Basic Health Units (BHUs), which are lacking in many areas.
“People rush to major hospitals even for routine blood pressure checkups,” he noted. To tackle this, he said the government is actively working on telemedicine initiatives to manage minor health concerns remotely.
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“We are making policies that will bring real relief to people,” Kamal said, adding that groundwork has been completed for reforms in the health sector.
On the issue of rising road accidents involving heavy vehicles, the minister urged the Sindh government to introduce stricter laws to regulate dumpers and heavy traffic in the city.
Responding to a question about a potential trauma centre on the Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway, Kamal revealed that the Prime Minister will soon announce a new healthcare facility along the route.
Commenting on Karachi’s long-standing issues, Kamal said, “The city has suffered from violence and mismanagement for 40 years, but the situation is improving.”
He also criticized recent amendments in Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regulations that allow amenity plots to be converted for commercial use.
“These changes will only worsen Karachi’s condition,” he warned.
Kamal praised recent efforts by the Prime Minister and the energy ministry to reduce electricity rates. “It’s not ideal, but it’s a great relief for the public,” he added. On the issue of KE’s monopoly, he called for competition in the power sector to benefit consumers.
