Healthcare in Pakistan is a vital sector that impacts the overall well-being and quality of life of its population, but it faces numerous challenges in delivering adequate services to all.
Healthcare in Pakistan is a vital sector that impacts the overall well-being and quality of life of its population, but it faces numerous challenges in delivering adequate services to all. With a population of over 240 million, Pakistan's healthcare system must cater to a wide range of needs, from infectious diseases to maternal health, while contending with limited resources and infrastructure. However, progress is being made in improving healthcare accessibility, especially through reforms, technological advancements, and international aid.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
Healthcare in Pakistan is provided through both public and private sectors. Public healthcare is largely funded by the government and is supposed to offer free or subsidized services. Unfortunately, public healthcare facilities often suffer from a lack of resources, outdated equipment, and overcrowding, especially in rural areas. Hospitals and clinics in major urban centers like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad tend to have better infrastructure, but they are still insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.
In contrast, the private sector offers better facilities and quicker services, but these come at a high cost, making private healthcare unaffordable for many citizens. As a result, a large portion of the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas, lacks access to quality healthcare. The gap between public and private healthcare has contributed to inequality in health outcomes, where wealthier individuals have access to better services, while the poor rely on underfunded public facilities.
Key Health Challenges
Pakistan faces several significant health challenges, including infectious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and dengue fever. Malnutrition is also a major issue, particularly among children, leading to high rates of stunted growth and underdevelopment. In addition, the maternal and child mortality rates are among the highest in the region, largely due to inadequate maternal healthcare services and limited access to trained medical professionals.
Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, are on the rise due to changing lifestyles, urbanization, and the increasing prevalence of unhealthy eating habits. These diseases place additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system.