The Government of Sindh has set in motion the development of a new Provincial Sindh Health Policy (SHP 2026–2035), reaffirming its commitment to advancing the health and well-being of its people. In collaboration with the Aga Khan University’s Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the province has initiated a wide-ranging consultative process to shape a policy that is inclusive, evidence-based, and future-oriented.
Under the leadership of Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and with the support of Secretary Health Rehan Iqbal Baloch, the Sindh Health Department has embarked on a collaborative journey to reimagine healthcare in the province for the next decade. The CHS team at AKU, led by Dr. Zahid Ali Memon and his team (Abeer Mian, Namrah Rafiq, Asma Ummad, Shiza Khalid, Hammad Jawaid, and Mashal Murad Shah) along with Dr. Syed Asad Ali, Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, and Dr. Sameen Siddiqui, is providing technical guidance for this process, working in close coordination with WHO experts.
A major milestone in this effort was the Provincial Consultative Workshop held in Karachi on August 22, 2025. The workshop brought together representatives from government, academia, donor agencies, international organizations, and the private sector to discuss Sindh’s pressing health challenges and explore strategies for a more resilient health system. Opening remarks were delivered by senior health officials, AKU faculty, and WHO representatives, setting the stage for a day of candid dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Technical sessions followed, addressing critical themes such as health systems and universal health coverage, health security, international health regulation, and health financing. Experts including Dr. Hasan Bin Hamza, Dr. Ahsan Ahmed, and Dr. Mohsin Raza led in-depth discussions, supported by the CHS team. The deliberations underscored the importance of strengthening data systems, particularly integrating private-sector data into government platforms, while also highlighting the need for regular policy reviews to track progress.
Stakeholders emphasized expanding access to primary and preventive care, improving referral pathways, and engaging communities in underserved regions. Financing remained a key concern, with participants urging greater domestic resource mobilization and a better balance between curative and preventive services. Addressing workforce shortages, particularly in nursing, family medicine, and rural health, was also recognized as a top priority, alongside investments in continuing education and clear career pathways. On the subject of health security, the need for stronger surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and climate resilience planning was widely acknowledged.
Notable contributions came from local and international partners including UNICEF, UNFPA, Pathfinder International, Indus Hospital, HANDS, and Results for Development, alongside medical universities and professional associations. Dr. Shabir Chandio of the U.S. State Department stressed the importance of policies tailored to Sindh’s unique realities, reinforcing the workshop’s focus on equity and inclusivity.
The day concluded with reflections shared on behalf of Dr. Waqar Memon, Director General Health Services Sindh, calling for governance reforms, improved accountability, and practical implementation mechanisms. “These early insights shared at this workshop will serve as a strong foundation for the consultative process that will shape the development of the Sindh Health Policy 2026–2035,” said Dr. Zahid Ali Memon, noting that the journey will be iterative and firmly grounded in both global best practices and provincial realities.
This workshop marks the beginning of a broader consultative process that will continue with district-level dialogues and thematic meetings across Sindh. With this collective effort, the province aims to lay the groundwork for a people-centered, prevention-driven, and equity-focused health policy that can guide the region through the coming decade.
