ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s public health sector continues to face critical challenges, with government spending on healthcare still below one percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Economic Survey 2024–25 released on Monday.
Despite rising population demands, total health allocations for the current fiscal year stand at Rs 925 billion, signalling ongoing underinvestment in one of the nation’s most vital sectors.
Among the most striking revelations is the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio—just one doctor per 750,000 people.
However, there has been some progress: over 20,000 new doctors were registered this year, raising the total number to 319,000.
The number of dentists has also grown to 39,088, while the nursing workforce now stands at 138,000.
Additionally, 46,801 midwives and 29,000 lady health workers are currently supporting the national health infrastructure.
Pakistan’s healthcare network comprises 1,696 hospitals and 5,434 Basic Health Units (BHUs) operating nationwide.
Yet these facilities remain overwhelmed, and child mortality remains high, with 50 infants dying per 1,000 live births annually. Life expectancy has shown modest improvement, now averaging 67 years and six months.
In pursuit of Article 38 of the Constitution, the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving public health and nutrition access, aiming to reduce malnutrition and disease burdens through a range of targeted interventions.
To support this vision, Rs 103.5 billion has been allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the health sector in FY 2025.
Overall health spending increased by 9.7%, rising from Rs 843.2 billion in FY 2023 to Rs 924.9 billion this fiscal year.
As part of its long-term vision, the government launched the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2024–2028, focusing on disease surveillance, stronger laboratory networks, and a more resilient health system.
Key national health programs include the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C (2024–2027) and the National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes (2024–2029).
Other initiatives under the Common Management Unit (CMU) address HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, alongside the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
Cancer treatment services through Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals continue to serve around 80% of the nation’s cancer patients, managing an estimated 40,000 new cases annually.
To address malnutrition, the government has launched the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network, aimed at mobilizing young people to promote healthy diets and advocate for food policy reforms.
Programs like the National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Programme and the Early Childhood Development Framework are also in motion to combat stunting and other nutrition-related issues.
In parallel, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) carried out 6,523 drug demand reduction activities this year, treating 2,386 individuals through Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (MATRCs).
Despite positive strides in infrastructure and programming, the report makes clear that without substantial reforms and a significant boost in funding, Pakistan’s healthcare system will struggle to meet the needs of its growing population.
As the country works toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3—Zero Hunger and Good Health & Well-being—comprehensive, inclusive healthcare remains both a challenge and a necessity.
