Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal delivered a stark warning at a ceremony in Karachi, stating that nearly 300 children die each day in Pakistan because of inadequate medical facilities and a lack of essential services. The minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the country’s health infrastructure, which has struggled to keep pace with a rapidly expanding population and rising disease burden.
Kamal highlighted that many of the deaths are preventable, citing preventable infections, malnutrition, and limited access to emergency care as key contributors. He urged the federal government to accelerate reforms that would strengthen primary health centers, improve supply chains for medicines, and expand training for healthcare workers across the provinces.
The health minister also called for a significant increase in public investment in the sector, arguing that current funding levels are insufficient to meet the needs of Pakistan’s children. He pointed to the need for better-equipped hospitals, more robust disease surveillance systems, and targeted programs to address maternal and child health.
In addition to financial measures, Kamal emphasized the importance of policy coherence and inter‑governmental coordination. He urged provincial authorities to align their health strategies with national priorities, ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable communities.
The call for urgent action follows a series of reports that have documented gaps in Pakistan’s health system, including shortages of skilled staff, limited laboratory capacity, and uneven distribution of health services. As the country faces new public health challenges, the minister’s message underscores the urgency of transforming the health sector to safeguard the lives of its youngest citizens.