Healthcare sees gains despite underfunding

Despite health expenditure in Pakistan accounting for less than one per cent of the national GDP, the country has witnessed notable progress in the healthcare sector, including a two-year increase in average life expectancy, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released on Monday.

The survey reveals that average life expectancy in Pakistan has risen from 65 years and six months to 67 years and six months, indicating improvements in basic health indicators despite limited public investment.

During the current fiscal year, Pakistan allocated a total of Rs925 billion to the health sector. However, the doctor-to-patient ratio remains alarmingly low, with only one doctor available for every 750,000 people.

According to the report, the number of registered doctors in the country has crossed 319,000, reflecting an increase of over 20,000 within the past year.

The number of registered dentists has reached 39,088, while the country now has 138,000 nurses and 46,801 midwives. The number of lady health workers has reached 29,000.

There are currently 1,696 hospitals and 5,434 Basic Health Units (BHUs) operating across the country.

However, health challenges persist as the infant mortality rate remains a concern, with 50 out of every 1,000 infants dying annually.

Furthermore, Pakistan's life expectancy, while improved, still lags behind the South Asian regional average, which stands at 71 years and six months, according to the Economic Survey.