Pakistan Medical Association Calls for Forensic Audit of Health Programs

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has raised urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating epidemiological indicators of infectious and preventable diseases in Pakistan, urging a comprehensive forensic audit of all government and NGO efforts in these critical areas.

In a recent statement, the PMA lamented that despite receiving billions of rupees in international grants and national funding over the years, Pakistan continues to fall significantly short of global health targets. The association welcomed the Economic Affairs Division’s (EAD) initiative to conduct a special audit of Global Fund-supported trusts managing HIV programs, but emphasized the need for a broader, transparent audit encompassing all health-related initiatives.

The PMA highlighted that while substantial funds are allocated annually for disease eradication, the public health infrastructure remains in disrepair, healthcare providers are overwhelmed, and the burden of disease continues to escalate. This situation poses a serious threat to public health and undermines the effectiveness of existing health programs.

Looking ahead, the PMA is calling for immediate action from the government to initiate the proposed audits and improve accountability in health spending. Stakeholders are expected to convene in the coming weeks to discuss the findings of the EAD audit and outline necessary reforms to enhance the efficacy of health interventions across the country.