Provincial Minister for Health, Balochistan, Bakht Muhammad Kakar has said that reforms in the provincial health department are progressing rapidly under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, with the aim of making the health system more effective, transparent, and public-friendly. He stressed that health officials must move beyond their offices, visit the field, engage directly with the community, identify problems, and collect data to help shape effective and practical health policies.
He was addressing the provincial inaugural seminar organized in connection with World Breastfeeding Week, held under the theme: “Enable Breastfeeding – Make a Difference for Working Parents”. The event was hosted by the Balochistan Nutrition Directorate of the Health Department, Government of Balochistan, with the support of UNICEF.
Highlighting the importance of the topic, the minister said, “Breast milk is a baby’s first and complete food that not only protects against diseases but also plays a vital role in their mental and physical development.” He added that awareness campaigns on such topics are crucial to laying the foundation for a healthy future generation.
He emphasized the need to develop a sustainable support system where every woman has access to accurate information, trained counseling, and a supportive environment. “Facilities must be available in homes, workplaces, and healthcare centers where women can comfortably breastfeed their children,” he said.
Minister Kakar reiterated that under CM Bugti’s leadership, the provincial government is committed to reaching every person in Balochistan, especially mothers, children, and the underprivileged. “We are working for those who have long been deprived, and their representation in policymaking is essential,” he added.
He also thanked UNICEF for its consistent collaboration and close coordination, particularly in areas like Zhob, Sherani, and Gwadar. “The joint efforts of the Health Department and UNICEF can bring real, long-lasting change to Balochistan. This cooperation must go beyond ceremonial events — our actions must be rooted in field data and ground realities,” he stated.
Minister Kakar called upon the health department officials: “Do not confine yourselves to offices. Go to the field, observe the challenges firsthand, collect data, and bring it to us so that we can develop meaningful and sustainable policies that bring practical change.”
He reaffirmed his and the department’s full support for UNICEF and all partner organizations, promising continued cooperation. “InshaAllah, we will stand by you and work together to strengthen the health system,” he said.
Kakar emphasized that delivering quality healthcare to remote and underserved areas remains one of the top priorities of the provincial government. Special initiatives such as mobile health units, the upgradation of basic health centers, and targeted programs to combat malnutrition are actively underway.
Concluding his address, he reiterated that “breast milk is not just nourishment — it is a shield of protection,” and that every household in Balochistan must receive this message. He assured that the health department and its partners will continue their efforts to promote maternal and child health throughout the province.
At the end of the event, informational material was distributed among participants, and various awareness stalls related to maternal and child health were also set up.
