On May 2, 2024, our research consortium organized a symposium entitled “Strengthening Social Health Protection in Pakistan – Emerging Evidence and the Way Forward”, held at Khyber Medical University. It served as a significant platform for diverse participants from academia as well as policy and practice to converge and discuss the multifaceted landscape of social health protection research and policy in Pakistan (Symposium program). Symposium program
Esteemed experts from research and policy institutions including GIZ, the Federal Sehat Sahulat Programme, the Aga Khan University, the IM Sciences, m4h and the research consortium, presented rich research findings and insights. Among the distinguished participants were policy board members such as Dr. Sabina Aziz and Dr. Ikram Ghani, alongside key figures from SHPI management and KfW, including Dr. Riaz Tanoli and Dr. Masuma Zaidi, respectively, fostering dynamic discussions and exchange.
The symposium facilitated the participants to delve into a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues surrounding social health protection in Pakistan, including the financial sustainability of the scheme, improving beneficiary awareness, assessing the quality and capacity of healthcare providers in KP, and the pivotal role of preventive measures. Beyond the informative sessions, the symposium served as a catalyst for collaboration. Being cognizant of the value of such gatherings, there is a keen interest in establishing such symposiums regularly to sustain the momentum of dialogue and collective action towards advancing research on social health protection initiatives across Pakistan, underscoring a commitment to fostering sustainable healthcare solutions.
During the trip to Pakistan, the research team prioritized coordination and stakeholder engagement. Upon arrival in Peshawar, a visit to Jinnah Medical Complex provided valuable insights into the implementation of the Social Health Protection Initiative, with discussions centering on digitalized claim management and healthcare service delivery. Conversations with healthcare professionals and management shed light on the practical realities of implementing the inpatient scheme. Subsequent meetings with the policy board at KMU and SHPI offices facilitated lively exchanges on research priorities and operational challenges, reinforcing the interplay between research and policy. Throughout the week, the KMU-FAU-HIGH research team took time to jointly work on symposium preparations, discuss scientific papers, and prepare for upcoming data collections.