By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday called for further enhancing the partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in Pakistan to effectively overcome various health challenges being faced by the country.
The president, talking to the outgoing Country Director of WHO, Dr Palitha Mahipala, who called on him, appreciated the role of WHO in strengthening Pakistan’s primary healthcare system, besides providing support to various government initiatives.
During the meeting, Dr Palitha Mahipala highlighted the role of WHO in improving Pakistan’s healthcare system and supporting efforts to revitalize healthcare facilities in the country, especially during last year’s floods. He said that the WHO would continue to support Pakistan for improving the health of its people.
President Alvi emphasised the need for creating awareness about the importance of mental health and early counselling at the household level. He remarked that the availability of a mental health toolkit to deal with mental stress in the families needed to be ensured. He maintained that establishing mental health support systems and enhancing people’s accessibility to quality mental health services in the country required the input of multiple stakeholders.
The president expressed satisfaction over the fact that Pakistan’s society had witnessed a positive change in its attitude towards the rights of persons with disabilities, adding that concerted efforts were needed to ensure their rights.
Dr Palitha Mahipala lauded the commendable role played by the President Alvi and First Lady Samina Alvi in raising awareness about various health issues, including breast cancer, mental health and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The president appreciated the role and commitment of Dr Palitha Mahipala for strengthening the health sector of Pakistan and wished him success for his future endeavours.
Earlier, President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged the businessmen to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
Addressing an event of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of honesty, ethics, and compassion in trade and business.
He said women should also be encouraged and involved in businesses, stressing responsibility rests with the society to protect them from harassment.
The President called upon the businessmen to prioritize environment protection. He said the affluent class should pay their taxes in order to deal with challenges faced by the country including those of out of school children and malnutrition.
Earlier, The Supreme Court was approached on Saturday seeking the removal of Dr Arif Alvi as President of Pakistan, allegedly for not acting in accordance with the responsibilities of the highest office and being biased.
The petition, moved by Ghulam Murtaza Khan in person, alleged that the president has been evasive in performing his constitutional obligations.
