A Healthier Future for Pakistan: Addressing Urgent Challenges with Hope and Action
By Tahir Ali Shah
Pakistan is at a crucial point in its healthcare journey.
The country is facing several health crises, including the rise of
non-communicable diseases, malnutrition, infectious disease outbreaks, and the
serious impacts of climate change. These challenges are further complicated by
ongoing security concerns, economic instability, and governance issues that
have hindered progress in the healthcare sector.
To build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system,
Pakistan must adopt a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes prevention,
accessibility, and innovation, while also addressing the socio-political
factors that impact public health.
Diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are pressing
concerns today, rather than distant future issues. Pakistan has one of the
highest diabetes prevalence rates in the world, with nearly 26% of its adult
population affected—this figure has doubled over the past decade. In contrast,
Bangladesh, despite its heavy reliance on rice, has a lower diabetes rate of
around 12%. This is likely due to healthier dietary patterns and higher levels
of physical activity among its population.
The growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can
be attributed to poor lifestyle choices, a lack of awareness, and inadequate
healthcare facilities. To tackle this issue, the government should launch
nationwide screening programs, ensure subsidized access to insulin, and
initiate mass awareness campaigns focusing on healthy eating and regular
exercise.
Despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan faces severe
malnutrition. Approximately 40% of children under five suffer from stunting,
while 17% are wasted (dangerously underweight). These rates are higher than
those in Bangladesh, which has successfully reduced stunting to 28% through
community nutrition programs, fortified food initiatives, and conditional cash
transfers for pregnant women.
The government must invest in large-scale nutrition
interventions, including school feeding programs, maternal nutrition
initiatives, and public-private partnerships to distribute fortified foods.
Without immediate action, Pakistan risks raising a generation that is
physically and cognitively impaired, further undermining its human capital.
Pakistan continues to struggle with tuberculosis (TB),
hepatitis, dengue, and drug-resistant typhoid, compounded by a weak healthcare
infrastructure that exacerbates these outbreaks. The country has the
fifth-highest TB burden globally, with nearly 600,000 cases reported annually.
Recent dengue epidemics have overwhelmed hospitals, particularly in Punjab and
Sindh, with thousands of cases recorded.
Climate change is intensifying these health threats. The
2022 floods displaced over 33 million people, contaminated water supplies, and
led to outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and skin diseases. Immediate and
coordinated action is essential to combat these escalating health challenges.
diseases. As temperatures rise, heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems
caused by air pollution are becoming more common.
The government must invest in climate-resilient healthcare
infrastructure, strengthen disease surveillance systems, and promote urban
planning strategies that reduce pollution and improve sanitation.
The impact of militancy and political instability on
Pakistan’s healthcare system cannot be ignored. Attacks on polio workers,
doctors, and healthcare facilities have severely hampered immunization efforts
and basic health services in conflict-prone regions. Over 100 polio workers
have been killed since 2012, leading to setbacks in Pakistan’s goal to
eradicate polio—one of the last two countries where the disease remains
endemic.
Moreover, the destruction of healthcare infrastructure in
conflict-affected areas such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan has
left millions without access to basic medical services. Insecurity has also led
to the brain drain of qualified doctors, further straining the healthcare
system.
To counter this, the government must prioritize healthcare
as a security issue, increase protections for medical workers, and negotiate
safe passage for humanitarian aid in conflict zones. A well-functioning
healthcare system is a key component of national security, and failure to
address these challenges will only worsen instability.
Pakistan’s public health expenditure remains alarmingly low,
at just 1.2% of GDP, compared to Bangladesh’s 2.5% and India’s 3.2%.
Out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to push millions into poverty, with over
70% of Pakistanis paying for medical expenses from their own pockets.
To fix this, the government must increase healthcare
spending to at least 3% of GDP in the next five years. Implement universal
health coverage, ensuring that all Pakistanis, especially in rural areas, have
access to affordable healthcare. Expand the Sehat Sahulat Program (health
insurance initiative) and make it more efficient. Decentralize healthcare
governance, giving provinces more autonomy to tackle region-specific health
issues and curb corruption in the health sector, ensuring that funds are used
for patient care rather than bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Pakistan faces significant health challenges, but these
challenges are not impossible to overcome. Countries like Bangladesh have
demonstrated that even those with limited resources can achieve remarkable
progress through effective policies, investment, and community involvement.
To advance, Pakistan must take decisive action immediately.
This includes strengthening the health sector, addressing the effects of
militancy, tackling health crises induced by climate change, and ensuring
access to quality medical care for every citizen.
The future of Pakistan’s healthcare system relies on
political will, international collaboration, and grassroots efforts. If the
government, private sector, and civil society work together, a strong,
resilient, and healthier Pakistan can be achieved. The time for action is now.
Tahir Ali Shah is a humanitarian professional with over 25
years of experience managing protection and development programs across South
Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. tshaha@gmail.com
Comments