Islamabad: In a landmark step aimed at curbing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Ministry of National Health Services has established a National Task Force on Lifestyle Medicine to integrate preventive and evidence-based lifestyle interventions into Pakistan’s healthcare system.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) on Wednesday, the National Task Force on Lifestyle Medicine (NTLM) will provide strategic, technical, and programmatic guidance for incorporating lifestyle medicine into national health policies, programmes, and service delivery frameworks.
The initiative is being seen as a transformative policy shift towards prevention-focused healthcare, as Pakistan grapples with an alarming rise in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, and other chronic illnesses largely driven by unhealthy lifestyles.
Under the notification, the Director General (Health), Ministry of NHSR&C, will serve as the Convener of the force, while the Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) will act as Co-Convener. The task force comprises senior government officials, academic leaders, and public health experts.
Among the prominent members, Dr. Zafar Mirza’s inclusion is particularly significant. A globally respected public health expert and former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, he is widely regarded as a strong advocate of preventive healthcare and health system reforms. His presence is expected to provide strategic direction and an international perspective to the initiative.
Other members include Dr. Malik M. Safi, Advisor at the Ministry of NHSR&C; the Director (PHC), Ministry of NHSR&C; the Deputy Director (Nutrition), Ministry of NHSR&C; and the Deputy Director (PHC-ICT Coordination), who will serve as Member/Secretary.
Distinguished members also include Dr. Shagufta Feroz, President of the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM); Dr. Mohammad Zia Abbas, Executive Member of PALM and Board Member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; Dr. Yawar Hayat, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University; and Dr. Sadia Fazal, General Secretary of PALM. Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based medical discipline that focuses on preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic diseases through therapeutic lifestyle interventions.
