KARACHI: Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality healthcare and education to the people of Pakistan, calling it the government’s top priority.

Addressing the launch ceremony of the “Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines” by Aga Khan University, he emphasized that these guidelines would align Pakistan’s healthcare standards with global practices. “I pledged to the nation upon taking office as ‘Khadim-e-Pakistan’ that I would not rest until every Pakistani has access to quality healthcare and education,” the Prime Minister said.  He praised Aga Khan Foundation’s contributions to public welfare and its pivotal role in developing these evidence-based clinical guidelines. The manual, tailored to Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, incorporates international standards while addressing local challenges. It includes over 140 procedures and specialties, aiming to improve healthcare access for two million people and save approximately 150,000 lives annually through better precautionary measures and operational protocols.  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Aga Khan Foundation’s pro bono consultancy for the construction of Jinnah Medical Complex in Islamabad, applauding its commitment to the country’s progress in health and education. 

During the event, Dr. Salman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University, and Dr. Adil Haider, Editor-in-Chief of the manual, elaborated on its scope and potential impact. Dr. Haider noted that the manual is the first of its kind in the region and is accessible online free of cost to all medical professionals in Pakistan. The Prime Minister participated in a roundtable discussion with healthcare experts, addressing reforms and challenges in the sector. Proposals included expanding vaccination coverage, promoting telemedicine, fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing medical and nursing education, and increasing the number of trained nurses nationwide.  Shehbaz Sharif welcomed these suggestions, reiterating the government’s dedication to advancing healthcare facilities. “Every passing day brings us closer to fulfilling our promise of providing quality healthcare to every citizen,” he said. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, Aga Khan Foundation President Sultan Ali Allana, Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and local and international health experts.