HSS Cell to be established in MoH: Lashari
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—To improve the health sector management capacity at federal, provincial and district level, a Heath Strengthening System Cell shall be established in the Ministry of Health.
The Cell shall also work to streamline health planning, coordination and reform. Secretary Health Mr. Khushnood Akhtar Lashari said this in a meeting with a visiting delegation of World Health Organization led by its Deputy Regional Director for EMRO Region Dr. Mohammed Abdi Jamma here on Monday
The Secretary said that Ministry of Health is working to develop an effective disease surveillance system that will enable the Ministry to respond in an effective and timely manner in case of spread of disease.
He informed the delegation that the Ministry is carrying out a health sector review to know about the gap in various sub-sectors of health. In the light of the findings of the review, national health projects, programmes and other interventions shall be prioritized.
Lashari said that that it is a moment of joy for Pakistan that it is selected as one of eight pilot countries for implementation of UN reform programme. Ministry of Health is spearheading the reform in health sector, he added.
The Secretary informed the delegation that Ministry of Health is creating an emergency preparedness and response cell that will deal with health response for all kinds of emergencies. “We are thankful to WHO for providing us every possible support to deal with health emergencies in the past,” said Lashari, adding that “WHO will extend technical support for putting in place an effective and efficient emergency preparedness unit within the Ministry.”