ISLAMABAD:Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan on Tuesday said strengthening of primary health care is critical to improvement in the health sector.

He said this during his visit to Bhara Kahu Basic Health Center (BHC). The purpose of the visit was to take stock of the health facilities being provided by the BHU.

The Health Minister met with patients and inquired about the treatment facilities. He also inspected the immunization facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said improvement in the health sector cannot be made without strengthening the primary health care system.

All Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units are being fully operationalized, he said, adding that the burden of patients on the federal hospitals is very high.

The Minister said we have created an integrated strategy for providing the best medical facilities to the people of rural areas. He directed the District Health Officer (DHO) to share detail of staff shortage and take practical measures to address the issue.

The Minister also directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines in the BHU. He emphasized that rural communities should have access to the same healthcare facilities as of urban populations. He said health facilities under the federal government are being closely monitored.