Introduction
Women’s health in Pakistan has long been a critical issue, in uenced by factors such as poverty,
gender inequality, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Despite these challenges, there have
been notable e orts in recent years to address the status of women’s health through policy
interventions and development programs. The government, in collaboration with international
organizations, has launched multiple initiatives aimed at improving maternal health, reproductive
rights, and general well-being of women. However, challenges such as socio-cultural barriers and
insu cient access to healthcare persist.
Recent Developments in Women’s Health in Pakistan
1. National Maternal,
Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)
Program
The MNCH Program has been a key
initiative in improving maternal and
child health in Pakistan. Under this
program, the government has focused
on reducing the maternal mortality rate
(MMR), which still stands at
approximately 186 deaths per 100,000
live births, according to recent
statistics. The program emphasizes
prenatal care, safe childbirth practices,
and postpartum care, particularly in
rural and underprivileged areas. It also
supports the training of Lady Health
Workers (LHWs), who play a crucial
role in community-based health
interventions.
2. Sehat Sahulat Program
(Health Insurance Scheme)
In a move to improve healthcare
access, the Sehat Sahulat Program
was launched to provide health
insurance to vulnerable segments of
society, including women. Through this
scheme, families can receive free
medical treatment in both public and
private hospitals. This program aims to
bridge the gap in healthcare access,
particularly bene ting women who
otherwise might not a ord costly
medical procedures, including maternal
care and reproductive health services.
3. Family Planning and
Reproductive Health Initiatives
According to the Pakistan
Demographic and Health Survey
(PDHS) 2017-18, only 34% of married
women in Pakistan use modern
contraceptive methods, while unmet
needs for family planning remain high.
In response, the government, along
with organizations like the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has
focused on expanding access to
reproductive health services. Programs
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aimed at increasing awareness of
family planning, improving the supply
of contraceptives, and ensuring access
to reproductive healthcare have gained
momentum. The Population Welfare
Program, for instance, is designed to
reduce fertility rates and ensure the
well-being of women by promoting
reproductive health education.
4. Legislative
Interventions
Recent years have seen important
legislative developments aimed at
protecting women’s health. The
Reproductive Healthcare and Rights
Act of 2020, for example, guarantees
women access to reproductive
healthcare services, including family
planning and prenatal care.
Additionally, the Sindh Maternal,
Neonatal and Child Health Act of
2019 was introduced to regulate and
improve maternal and child healthcare
services in the Sindh province,
emphasizing training and licensing of
healthcare providers.
5. COVID-19 Response
and Women’s Health
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted
signi cant challenges in healthcare
provision, particularly for women. In
response, the government of Pakistan,
along with international partners,
focused on ensuring continued access
to essential maternal and reproductive
health services. The UNFPA and WHO
worked closely with provincial
governments to provide essential
maternal health services during the
pandemic, ensuring that childbirth
services, antenatal care, and family
planning remained accessible despite
lockdowns and healthcare disruptions.
Key Policy Interventions
1. National Health Vision
2016-2025
The National Health Vision outlines a
long-term strategy for improving overall
healthcare in Pakistan, with a strong
focus on maternal and child health.
This vision seeks to strengthen
healthcare delivery systems, especially
in rural areas, where women face
signi cant barriers to accessing quality
care. It also stresses the importance of
gender equality in healthcare provision
and aims to address structural
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inequalities in access to medical
services.
2. Pakistan National
Action Plan for Women’s Health
(2020-2025)
This action plan, developed in
collaboration with UNFPA, emphasizes
improving women’s access to
healthcare services, including family
planning, reproductive health, and
maternal care. It calls for the
integration of women’s health services
into broader public health programs
and underscores the importance of
tackling socio-cultural barriers that
prevent women from seeking
healthcare.
3. Benazir Nashonuma
Program
This program, launched in 2020,
focuses on maternal and child health,
particularly addressing malnutrition
among pregnant and lactating women.
Under the Ehsaas umbrella, it aims to
provide nutrition support, health
education, and nancial assistance to
women in vulnerable communities. This
program is crucial for ensuring that
women receive adequate nutrition
during pregnancy and lactation,
reducing the risk of malnourished
children and improving overall maternal
health outcomes.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these positive steps, Pakistan faces signi cant challenges in fully addressing women’s
health issues. Cultural norms, poverty, and a lack of education are major obstacles to women
accessing healthcare services. Furthermore, healthcare infrastructure in rural areas remains weak,
with a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and medical facilities.
In the future, continued emphasis on education, awareness campaigns, and healthcare
infrastructure improvement will be necessary. Strengthening community health programs,
increasing funding for women’s health, and promoting gender-sensitive healthcare policies are
essential for sustaining progress. Additionally, collaborative e orts with international agencies will
be important for resource mobilization and technical support.
Conclusion
Recent developments and policy interventions in Pakistan have demonstrated a growing
commitment to improving the status of women’s health. From national programs aimed at
reducing maternal mortality to legislative measures protecting reproductive rights, these e orts
re ect signi cant strides in addressing long-standing health disparities. However, challenges
remain, and sustained e orts are required to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all women
in Pakistan. Continued investment in health infrastructure, education, and awareness, alongside
targeted policy interventions, is essential for ensuring the well-being and empowerment of women
across the country.
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