National Task Force reviews proposals to integrate lifestyle medicine into undergraduate medical curricula in inaugural

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) The National Task Force on Lifestyle Medicine reviewed several other proposals, including the incorporation of lifestyle medicine into undergraduate medical education curricula in collaboration with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, and at postgraduate level through College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and Higher Education Commission.

The Task Force constituted under the patronage of the Honorable Federal Minister, Syed Mustafa Kamal for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) convened its inaugural session. Dr. Abdul Wali Khan Director General Health M/o NHSRC chaired the meeting. The session marked a significant advancement in Pakistan’s strategic response towards the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), said a press release issued here on Friday.

The Task Force comprises of eminent public and private sector experts in public health, medical education, clinical sciences including lifestyle medicine, health planning, united in the shared objective of integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions into national health policies, medical education and training, in line with the vision of Federal Minister, Syed Mustafa Kamal, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to advance the transition from preventive to promotive healthcare.

Among the notable participants were, Dr. Zafar Mirza, Former SAPM and President of Pakistan Association Of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM) , Prof.

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Dr Tanwir Khaliq VC SZAMBU, Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq ED HEC, Prof. Dr Syed Fawad Mashhadi from Army Medical College, Prof Dr Yawar Hayat Khan, Deputy VC Riphah International University, Dr Muhammad Qaisar Khan Deputy Chief-I (Health) M/o PD&SI and Dr Shagufta Feroz, a pioneer advocate of lifestyle medicine in Pakistan since 2013, as well as the Secretary General of PALM Dr Sadia Fazal and former President PALM Dr Zia Abbas.

During the session, comprehensive discussions were held on the implementation of healthy food policies within the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and allied institutions.

Furthermore, the participants deliberated upon engagement of all the relevant stakeholders including food industry, food regulatory authorities and PSQCA. The integration of lifestyle medicine principles into the new National Health and Population Policy has already been done with the support of PALM.

The Task Force underscored the need to raise public awareness of lifestyle modification through robust media campaigns. It further emphasized the importance of orienting all healthcare providers to lifestyle medicine through a short, potentially mandatory, self-learning online course, the development of which will be undertaken by PALM.

Lifestyle Medicine is a medical specialty rooted in strong evidence of effectiveness in preventing, managing and reversing non-communicable diseases through holistic approach based on six pillars of lifestyle modification.