‘Uraan Pakistan’ key to addressing health issues

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Development, Planning and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that a three-year healthcare programme 'Uraan Pakistan’ has been launched to address the health challenges being faced by the country.

Under this initiative, Rs67 billion has been allocated for Zero-Hepatitis and diabetes treatment and Rs8 billion has been designated for providing heart stents in the upcoming budget. Ahsan Iqbal said this while addressing an oath taking ceremony of first-year MBBS students at the King Edward Medical University (KEMU) on Monday.

Addressing the newly-admitted students, the minister stressed that becoming a distinguished doctor required a decade of rigorous study, with 2025 marking their beginning and 2035 their culmination as experts in their respective fields.

He remarked that a doctor's behaviour played a crucial role in a patient's recovery. He reminded students that their success is the result of their hard work and their parents' prayers, urging them to become a valuable asset to the nation.

The minister shared a deeply personal experience, recalling the assassination attempt on him in 2018 and how KEMU’s Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz, played a crucial role in his treatment. He highlighted the sacred bond between a doctor and their white coat, comparing it to the relationship between a soul and a body.

He proudly noted that Pakistan is the 7th atomic power in the world but pointed out economic disparities when compared to other nations. Ahsan Iqbal recalled that in 1969, Pakistan’s revenue stood at $200 million, equal to that of Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea at the time.

However, these nations had since achieved remarkable economic growth, which he attributed to strategic policies, investment in innovation and long-term planning factors. He mentioned that when the government took charge, Pakistan was on the verge of bankruptcy, but despite political challenges, they put the country back on track. Inflation has now decreased, the stock market is booming, and foreign investments are returning, signaling Pakistan’s readiness for another economic take off under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He emphasised that research and technology must drive Pakistan’s medical advancements, urging students and professionals to focus on contributions to the field. The world recognises Pakistanis as a hardworking and intelligent nation and he envisions Pakistan reaching a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and becoming one of the world's top 10 economic powers by 2047, Ahsan Iqbal added.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz extended his heartfelt appreciation to Ahsan Iqbal for his development initiatives in Narowal. He commended the minister’s visionary leadership in transforming the region through infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and enhanced public services.

The ceremony concluded with Vice Chancellor Dr Mahmood Ayyaz presenting a souvenir to the minister as a token of appreciation. The event was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr M Naeem, Registrar Dr M Imran along with faculty members, students and their parents.