Islamabad: November 10, 2017 Islamabad has attained a hallmark, to register the city in the Healthy City Programme network. It has been made possible because of the visionary leadership of Mayor Islamabad and Chairman, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and efforts of Director General Health, MCI / CDA. World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Pakistan had fully supported the initiative and said that it will be a game changer in the present scenario of health systems.

Chairman, CDA along with WHO Representative welcomed the participants and reflected their vision for this important initiative. Mayor stressed upon the need for intense oral collaboration and joint efforts by all the departments of CDA. He reflected his firm commitment to lead the programme and said that no approach will be left behind to make it a success.

Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA, Sheikh Anser Aziz said that in order to provide state of the art medical facilities in the city, MCI is taking different steps and inclusion in Healthy city program of World Health Organization is a matter of honour for Islamabad. Under this program, state of the art medical and allied facilities would be provided to all residents of the city particularly the population residing in the rural areas of the city and low paid residents.

On this occasion Dr. Assai Ardakani, representative of WHO in Pakistan appreciated that initiative of MCI and said that he unconditional and continuous support extended by the organization to initiate healthy city program in the beautiful capital of Pakistan is laudable step. He said that under the leadership of Mayor of Islamabad this program will surely bring its fruit in the city.

Dr. Hasan Orooj, D.G Health Services, during his detailed presentation showed the demographic and socio economic statistics. He said that Islamabad under CDA comprises of 35% rural villages 14-20% slum areas in addition to planned urban sectors. He also showed the study that was concluded in the year 2013 and its major findings. The objections of the study were to ascertain the status with reference to (1) socio demographic (2) economics (3) health (4) environment and (05) behavioral indicators. A clear cut status as regards the quality of life, access to health care, educational, behavioral level was highlighted for three major segments of society. A sample of 770 was chosen and the entire population was divided into 05 income quantities. This was the first study of its type which has a standing in the global health. Besides disparities that emerged as a result of the study, Dr. Hasan Orooj showed the road map for the healthy city model of Islamabad which will be in 03 steps; (1) gathering organized (2) finalizing plans based on evidence and (3) initiate implementation.

Health Services Directorate of MCI is committed and it is a matter of pride for CDA that healthy equity model Islamabad has been acknowledged intentionally.