The federal government has established a National Task Force on Lifestyle Medicine (NTLM) to integrate preventive healthcare approaches into Pakistan’s health system, aiming to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

According to the Ministry of Health, the task force will provide strategic and technical guidance to incorporate lifestyle medicine into national policies, healthcare programmes, and service delivery systems. It will also focus on integrating these practices into medical education, public awareness campaigns, and government health initiatives.

The NTLM will recommend dedicated funding mechanisms and develop national standards, guidelines, and competencies for lifestyle medicine. It will also support the design and expansion of programmes that promote healthier behaviours and preventive care.

Experts emphasise that more than half of Pakistan’s disease burden is linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, stress, and harmful habits. The task force aims to address these risks through coordinated national efforts.

Officials say the initiative represents a shift from treatment-focused healthcare to prevention-based strategies, promoting long-term health improvements and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.