ISLAMABAD, 20 APR (DNA) – As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s health systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development refurbished the office space of the Health Planning, Systems Strengthening and Information Analysis Unit at the Ministry of Health.

USAID Mission Director John Groarke, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar, and Minister of Planning, Development, and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the renovated facility on Wednesday.

The Ministry’s Health Planning, Systems Strengthening, and Information Analysis Unit, established in 2015, helps to formulate Pakistan’s health policies, set regulatory standards, and facilitate countrywide coordination of health systems.  The United States has spent an average of $10 million per year since 2009 to strengthen Pakistan’s health systems.

 “For citizens to be healthy, the health system itself must be strong.  The government of Pakistan recognizes this,” USAID Mission Director Groarke said.  “The United States and Pakistan worked together to renovate this office so employees have the tools they need to do their vital work.” DNA