The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have agreed to further strengthen primary health care services across the country, with both sides emphasising the importance of family medicine in building an accessible and equitable healthcare system.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj and WHO officials, where discussions focused on reforms aimed at improving primary healthcare delivery and expanding community-based medical services in Pakistan.
According to PM&DC, the council remains committed to making primary healthcare in Pakistan more effective, functional and accessible, viewing it as a critical component of the country's healthcare system.
The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives designed to promote family medicine and improve healthcare services at the community level. PM&DC officials said strengthening family medicine would contribute significantly toward achieving universal health coverage and improving access to quality healthcare for the population.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj said family medicine serves as the foundation of a strong, equitable and accessible health system, enabling early diagnosis, preventive care and continuity of treatment for patients.
As part of its reforms, PM&DC has made the establishment of family medicine departments mandatory in medical colleges across the country. The council has also incorporated 75 teaching hours of family medicine into the MBBS curriculum to ensure that future doctors receive structured training in primary healthcare and community-based medical practice.
Officials said the revised curriculum is intended to equip medical graduates with the skills needed to address common health issues at the primary care level and reduce pressure on tertiary-care hospitals.
The council has further introduced a requirement for medical institutions to establish three outreach centres as part of their academic and healthcare responsibilities. The initiative is aimed at extending healthcare services to communities and strengthening links between medical institutions and the public.
In another reform measure, PM&DC has introduced a three-year optional house job rotation programme designed to promote healthcare services at the community level and provide young doctors with practical experience in primary healthcare settings.
The meeting also highlighted the role of family medicine in addressing non-communicable diseases and mental health challenges, which continue to place a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
PM&DC officials said family physicians play a vital role in the prevention, early detection and long-term management of chronic illnesses while also serving as the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare services.
WHO officials appreciated PM&DC's efforts to promote family medicine and strengthen primary healthcare services in Pakistan. The international health body also acknowledged the council's recent reforms aimed at improving medical education and expanding community-focused healthcare delivery.
According to PM&DC, WHO representatives welcomed the inclusion of family medicine in the MBBS curriculum, the establishment of mandatory family medicine departments and initiatives designed to increase healthcare outreach in underserved communities.
Both sides agreed to continue working together to strengthen primary healthcare services, improve medical education and support reforms that enhance access to healthcare across Pakistan.