By. Dr Ali Farhan Razi.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health sector continues to face formidable challenges despite modest improvements in key indicators, with the World Health Organization (WHO) ranking the country 124th out of 169 in its latest global health index, health officials confirmed on Monday.
According to the WHO report, Pakistan’s position reflects systemic gaps in healthcare access, infrastructure, and outcomes. Health experts have urged the government to accelerate reforms to meet international standards and to improve Pakistan’s standing globally.
Mixed Progress in Health Indicators
Official data shows life expectancy in Pakistan has increased to 67.3 years in 2022 from 65.7 years in 2015. However, the figure remains lower than India (69.4 years) and Bangladesh (72.3 years). The infant mortality rate fell to 50.1 per 1,000 live births in 2022, while under-five mortality decreased to 63.3 per 1,000 live births.
Maternal health indicators have also seen improvement. The maternal mortality ratio dropped from 179 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 154 in 2021. Yet, provinces such as Balochistan and Sindh continue to report higher maternal deaths compared to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Disease Burden Remains High
Despite progress, Pakistan continues to grapple with both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Health authorities estimate that around 15 million people are living with Hepatitis B and C, the highest burden in South Asia. In addition, the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has raised alarm among public health experts.
Non-communicable diseases now account for 58% of deaths in the country, with Pakistan ranking sixth globally in diabetes prevalence. Experts warn that every fourth adult is either overweight or obese, underscoring the growing threat of lifestyle diseases.
Environmental Health Threats Mount
Environmental factors have further exacerbated health challenges. In November 2024, Lahore’s Air Quality Index soared above 1,200, surpassing hazardous levels and causing respiratory issues for tens of thousands of residents. Officials reported over 40,000 people sought treatment for breathing difficulties across Punjab that month.
The 2024 heatwave in Sindh resulted in 568 deaths and nearly 8,000 hospitalizations, highlighting the health impacts of climate change.
Healthcare Infrastructure Under Strain
Pakistan’s healthcare system also faces a human resources gap. The number of registered doctors rose from 282,383 in 2022 to 299,113 in 2023, while dentists increased from 33,156 to 36,032. However, officials admitted that the numbers of nurses, midwives, and lady health workers have stagnated, raising concerns about service delivery in rural areas.
Government spending on health remains low, with public health expenditure hovering around 1% of GDP — one of the lowest rates globally. Nevertheless, the 2024-25 federal budget saw a 300% increase in allocations for the Ministry of Health, from Rs8.9 billion to Rs27 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Major Initiatives Launched
The Sehat Sahulat Program, Pakistan’s flagship health insurance scheme, has expanded coverage to 43 million families, officials said. As of November 2023, over 14.6 million people had availed treatment at empaneled hospitals.
Vaccination coverage has also improved, with DPT immunization rates increasing from 72% in 2015 to 85% in 2022.
Experts Call for Urgent Reforms
Health experts say while initiatives like Sehat Sahulat and increased immunization coverage are steps in the right direction, deeper structural reforms are essential.
“The government must address regional disparities, invest in primary healthcare, and increase spending to at least 3% of GDP if we want to see a substantial improvement in global health rankings,” said Dr. Farah Khan, a public health specialist.
As Pakistan’s health challenges grow more complex with urbanization, climate change, and rising non-communicable diseases, experts warn that without sustained investment and reforms, the country risks falling further behind in global health indices.
