ISLAMABAD: Senior health journalist and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Health Matters Media, Akhtar Shaheen Rind, paid a visit to the office of Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal in Islamabad, where both discussed the role of responsible journalism in improving public health awareness and promoting key healthcare reforms. The minister warmly appreciated the initiative of Health Matters Media and assured his full cooperation, describing it as a timely and credible platform to support health communication in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Syed Mustafa Kamal outlined his vision for strengthening the country’s health system through modernization of hospitals, transparent monitoring mechanisms, preventive healthcare awareness, and stronger coordination between federal and provincial departments. He emphasized that media must serve as a constructive partner in highlighting health challenges while also showcasing positive progress across institutions.
The Federal Health Minister shared updates on major reforms underway at the Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council, including efforts to enhance regulatory oversight, improve licensing procedures, and initiate digital systems for monitoring and registration. Regarding the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council, he reiterated the importance of merit-based admissions, student facilitation, and strict coordination with IBCC and universities to prevent seat wastage and ensure fairness for students of all education systems.
He also discussed measures being implemented at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to tackle counterfeit medicines, improve quality control, regulate drug pricing, and encourage local pharmaceutical production according to international standards. These steps, he noted, aim to make essential medicines safer, more affordable, and more accessible to citizens across the country.
Akhtar Shaheen Rind offered dedicated support through Health Matters Media to highlight these initiatives and promote the message of “Health for Every Pakistani.” The Minister welcomed the collaboration and stressed that credible health journalism can significantly contribute to public awareness, institutional trust, and better policy outcomes. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work together for a healthier, informed, and empowered Pakistan.
