Widening healthcare gaps

Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 5:01 am

Pakistan's Healthcare Crisis: Access, Equity, and the Rising Tide of Disease

Pakistan's healthcare system is facing a critical juncture, according to the 2024 Universal Healthcare (UHC) Monitoring Report, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services and the World Health Organization (WHO). The report paints a stark picture of inequitable access to essential healthcare services, with only half the population currently covered. This falls significantly short of the global target of 80% UHC coverage.

The report highlights significant regional disparities, with Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan lagging far behind other areas. While the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) leads with a UHC service coverage index of 63.9%, Balochistan scores a mere 38.4%. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access for all citizens.

Adding to the challenges, the report reveals a worsening trend in catastrophic health expenditures, with a growing proportion of households spending a significant portion of their income on healthcare. This is exacerbated by the reliance on out-of-pocket payments, which deter many from seeking necessary medical attention and push vulnerable families into poverty.

Furthermore, Pakistan is grappling with a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The country now has the highest global diabetes prevalence, with an estimated 36 million cases in 2024. Cardiovascular diseases account for 55% of NCD-related deaths, resulting in approximately 450,000 fatalities annually. The report emphasizes that over 60% of annual deaths are due to NCDs.

The report calls for urgent action, including long-term investments in human capital, efficient resource utilization, and capacity building. It also stresses the importance of public-private partnerships and inter-sectoral policies to address the complex challenges facing the healthcare system. Examples of successful partnerships in Punjab and Sindh demonstrate the potential of collaborative efforts.

BNN's Perspective: The report's findings are concerning, but not unexpected. While the challenges are significant, the examples of successful public-private partnerships offer a glimmer of hope. The government must prioritize healthcare, not just as a social responsibility, but as a crucial investment in the nation's future. Addressing regional disparities and the rising burden of NCDs requires a multi-pronged approach, including increased funding, improved resource allocation, and a focus on preventative care.

Keywords: Pakistan healthcare, universal healthcare, UHC, healthcare access, healthcare disparities, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, non-communicable diseases, NCDs, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, healthcare expenditure, public-private partnerships, WHO, Ministry of National Health Services, healthcare reform, healthcare policy, health equity, healthcare coverage, healthcare challenges, healthcare system, health investment, health outcomes, Pakistan health, health crisis

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