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Assignment Activity Unit 4

Ayesha Gul

University of the People

ENGL 1102 - English Composition 2

Bushra Haroon

27th of February, 2025

Health Sector Worsening in Pakistan

Pakistan's healthcare system is currently facing a multifaceted crisis, marked by systemic

deficiencies, resource shortages, and escalating public health challenges. The Pakistan Medical

Association (PMA) has highlighted these issues, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive

reforms to address the nation's deteriorating health indicators. A significant concern is the

government's approval of multiple drug price hikes, affecting over 80,000 medications and

rendering essential treatments unaffordable for many citizens. This situation is exacerbated by

inflation and the devaluation of the rupee, which have strained local drug production and further

limited access to necessary medicines. Additionally, Pakistan is grappling with a substantial

burden of Hepatitis B and C, with approximately 15 million individuals affected. The lack of

adequate prevention, testing, and treatment resources, coupled with the prevalence of unqualified

practitioners, has contributed to the rising number of cases. Unsafe drinking water remains a

major health concern, causing a high number of deaths nationwide. Contaminated water

contributes to 40% of deaths, leading to waterborne diseases, with diarrhea being a leading cause

of infant mortality. The country is also experiencing a rapid increase in HIV infections, with

63,202 registered cases. Limited testing capacity, unsafe practices such as syringe reuse, and

poor public awareness has facilitated the spread of HIV. Moreover, Pakistan faces a critical

shortage of healthcare professionals, with a deficit of about one million nurses and a significant

number of registered doctors not practicing medicine. This shortage undermines the delivery of

quality healthcare services and exacerbates the existing health crisis. Environmental factors

further compound these challenges. Severe dust pollution, extensive roadwork, deforestation, and

waste burning have led to a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis,
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Assignment Activity Unit 4

and pneumonia. Experts attribute this increase to deteriorating air quality and the significant loss

of green spaces. The PMA advocates for urgent, comprehensive reforms, including the

development of a people-friendly National Health Policy, enhancement of primary healthcare

services, investment in preventive measures, and increased health budget allocation. The

inefficiencies in healthcare governance also play a major role in worsening the crisis. Poor

hospital management, lack of transparency in fund allocation, and corruption in public healthcare

institutions have made it difficult for citizens to access quality medical services. Public hospitals

remain overcrowded, underfunded, and poorly equipped to handle the growing healthcare

demands of the population. Furthermore, Pakistan's healthcare infrastructure is unprepared for

the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and

cardiovascular diseases. Due to urbanization and lifestyle changes, these conditions are

becoming more prevalent, yet there are insufficient specialized facilities and trained personnel to

manage them effectively. Mental health is another critical yet neglected aspect of healthcare in

Pakistan. Depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders are rising, but mental health services

are severely lacking. There is a shortage of trained psychiatrists and psychologists, and the

stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment further discourages individuals from

seeking professional help. In rural areas, the healthcare situation is even more dire. Limited

access to healthcare facilities, lack of transportation, and inadequate healthcare awareness

contribute to higher mortality rates in these regions. Many villages rely on unqualified medical

practitioners or home remedies due to the unavailability of qualified doctors. Pregnant women

and infants are particularly vulnerable, with high maternal and infant mortality rates recorded in

these areas. Telemedicine and digital health solutions have been proposed as potential remedies
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Assignment Activity Unit 4

to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas, but implementation remains slow due

to infrastructure challenges and lack of government support. Addressing Pakistan's healthcare

crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased government spending, better

healthcare policies, stricter regulations on medical malpractice, and international collaborations

to improve medical training and resources. Unless urgent steps are taken to improve the

healthcare infrastructure, the country will continue to face worsening health outcomes, lower life

expectancy, and economic burdens due to an unhealthy workforce. The government must take

decisive action to prioritize healthcare as a fundamental right and ensure that all citizens,

regardless of socio-economic status, have access to quality medical services.

Ilyas, F. (2024, January 12). PMA report calls for urgent, comprehensive reforms

in health sector. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1805099

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Abbasi, K. (2024, July 9). Pakistan faces shortage of 1m nurses, 40,000 doctors

don’t practice, Senate panel told. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1844692​

ANI. (2024, December 12). Respiratory illnesses soar in Pakistan as dust

pollution and poverty worsen health crisis. ThePrint.

https://theprint.in/world/respiratory-illnesses-soar-in-pakistan-as-dust-pollution-a

nd-poverty-worsen-health-crisis/2399778/