Shift from curative to preventive healthcare imperative to tackle rising disease burden: Mustafa

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, emphasized that the urgent need to prioritize health and nutrition challenges in the context of Pakistan’s rapidly growing population he said these remarks while addressing the Pakistan-China International Academic Conference held here on Monday at the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister appreciated the participation of researchers, professors, and media representatives, noting that such academic forums play a vital role in promoting knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

He highlighted that Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, making it a significant challenge to effectively address public health issues at scale.

The Minister stressed the need to shift focus from curative care to preventive healthcare, stating that the current burden on hospitals is largely due to a system that primarily responds to illness rather than preventing it. “Prevention is better than cure,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of adopting proactive health strategies to reduce disease incidence.

He further noted that merely building new hospitals and hiring more doctors is not sufficient; instead, there is a need to strengthen the overall healthcare system so that people remain healthy and do not require hospitalization in the first place. Referring to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, he stated that even the most advanced healthcare systems can come under immense pressure, and no country can sustain a sudden surge in patient load.

The Minister shared that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has developed a new health strategy in consultation with international experts. The strategy aims to reduce the burden on hospitals while promoting healthier lifestyles among the population.

He emphasized that collaborative efforts with global scientists can help Pakistan move in the right direction.

Highlighting the importance of timely decision-making, he stated that there is no room for error, and the country must adopt the right strategies from the outset. “The time for experimentation has passed , we must now compete with global advancements,” he added.

The Minister also underscored the need to integrate traditional systems of medicine, including herbal, Chinese, and Unani practices, alongside modern healthcare approaches. He noted that emerging research supports lifestyle medicine as a sustainable solution for improving public health, encouraging individuals to align their daily lives with natural principles.

Concluding his address, the Minister emphasized that increasing distance from natural ways of living is contributing to rising health challenges. He called for harmonizing scientific progress with the laws of nature and human well-being to build a healthier and more resilient society.