Pakistan in Healthcare Crisis: Struggle to Afford Life-Saving Medicines

This stark ranking highlights the lack of prioritization for healthcare by the Pakistan government.

April 22, 2024

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Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by The Health Master

Pakistan

Millions of face in Pakistan face a dire situation as they lack access to essential medicines and basic healthcare services.

This alarming trend is driven by a confluence of factors, including insufficient government funding, rising Medicines costs, and a struggling economy.

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Unaffordable Medicines

Cost Burden:

A significant portion of the Pakistan population cannot afford critical Medicines like insulin.

The report by The News International highlights the plight of Muhammad Boota, a domestic worker in Lahore, who needs insulin every 10 days.

At 40% of his salary per dose, this injectable Medicines becomes a luxury he can’t afford.

Dependence on Charity

Millions rely on unreliable charitable donations to secure life-saving medicines, creating an unsustainable and undignified system for accessing healthcare.

Lack of Healthcare Access

Shocking Statistics:

A report by Sehat Kahani, a Pakistani non-governmental healthcare organization, reveals a critical lack of access to basic healthcare services.

Over 50% of Pakistanis lack access to primary care, and a staggering 42% have no health insurance.

Deteriorating Situation:

The situation seems to be worsening.

A recent government decision to increase the prices of 146 essential medicines further pushes these Medicines out of reach for low-income individuals.

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Underinvestment in Healthcare by the Government

Low Public Spending:

Pakistan’s healthcare system suffers from chronic underfunding. According to 2021 figures, the government spends a meager 0.84% of its GDP on healthcare.

This is a significant decrease from 2019 (0.94%) and falls far short of the average spending (2.62%) for lower-middle-income countries.

Global Comparison:

A 2021 report ranked Pakistan 176th out of 189 countries in terms of government healthcare spending relative to GDP.

This stark ranking highlights the lack of prioritization for healthcare by the Pakistan government.

Right to Health Advocacy

Campaign for Constitutional Right:

A Pakistani human rights organization is spearheading a campaign titled “The Right to Health: A People’s Manifesto.”

This campaign demands that the right to health be enshrined as a fundamental right in the Pakistani constitution.

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Compounding Crises Create a Perfect Storm

Economic Turmoil:

Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis exacerbates the healthcare situation.

Soaring poverty, inflation, and unemployment create a perfect storm that limits access to basic necessities, including healthcare.

Pre-Existing Vulnerabilities:

Even before the current economic turmoil, Pakistan faced significant challenges.

A 2018 report by the World Food Programme estimated that 21% of the population was undernourished, and 44% of children under five suffered from stunted growth.

The Asian Development Bank reported a high infant mortality rate, with 65 deaths per 1,000 births in 2020.

Furthermore, nearly 25% of the population lacked access to electricity in 2020. The country also grapples with the severe consequences of climate change.

This situation demands immediate action from the Pakistani government.

Increased healthcare spending, ensuring access to affordable Medicines, and expanding health insurance coverage are crucial steps towards building a robust healthcare system that serves all citizens.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.