Report: ANI
ISLAMABAD — Group Chief Executive Officer of GAK Healthcare International and Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Yasir Khan Niazi, has said that effective reforms in healthcare and education can provide quality and affordable services to the public while creating new opportunities for economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation led by National Press Club Finance Secretary Abid Abbasi. The meeting focused on providing discounted medical treatment, group health insurance and healthcare facilities to journalists and their families.
It was agreed that a hepatitis C screening camp would soon be organised at the National Press Club, followed by a year-long medical calendar featuring health awareness sessions and medical camps.
The delegation included Governing Body members Aamir Butt, Sardar Yousafzai, Tanveer Shahzad and Muhammad Asim Jilani.
Niazi said Pakistan needed comprehensive reforms and stronger public-private partnerships to make healthcare and medical education more affordable and accessible. Referring to WHO data published through the World Bank, he noted that people paid 53 per cent of Pakistan’s total healthcare expenditure out of their own pockets in 2023.
He stressed that health insurance coverage should extend beyond hospitalisation to include OPD consultations, diagnostic tests, medicines, early diagnosis and preventive care.
On medical education, he said reducing education costs and improving institutional standards could help retain Pakistani students and attract foreign students. He also highlighted the potential of medical tourism and international education to generate foreign exchange for the country.
Niazi reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to offering discounted medical services to National Press Club members and their families. He said a group health insurance arrangement for journalists would also be explored.
Abid Abbasi presented proposals for medical treatment facilities, regular medical camps and a special health card for journalists.
