Pakistan’s health priorities

Govt should look into the broader implications that collective health of a nation has on a country's economy

According to a recent analysis of the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study published in The Lancet on June 8, the number of persons suffering from non-fatal, but chronic diseases, has risen abundantly between 1990 and 2013. Conditions include but are not limited to diabetes, anxiety disorders, depression and migraines. A warning has been issued that a further increase in similar ailments poses a threat to Pakistan. Although alarm bells do not usually ring over conditions such as chronic pain and mental disorders, these ailments can be crippling to the sufferer as well as the economy on a larger scale. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s social register does not realise the gravity and potential impact of these problems, which is why assuaging the people’s suffering and instituting health regulations is not a popular policy goal.

The current government, being concerned with all matters economic, should look into the broader implications the collective health of a nation has on a country’s economy. A healthy working class means healthy output and less sick-pay to employees at private and public firms. By paying heed to mental health and providing accessible mental health facilities, we would see more efficient input and productivity by employees. Suicide and crime, including murders of young, innocent children by frustrated, financially-overwhelmed fathers, would decrease as the mental stability of vulnerable people increased. Society’s investments in educating a child and training a person for a job would not be wasted.

With the advent of technology, more drivers on the road, and lengthened sitting times, ergonomic and safety practices must be incorporated into workplaces and homes in Pakistan. It is time to initiate campaigns to encourage people to lay off the mithai and desi ghee, use helmets when cycling or operating a motorbike, and adopt other preventative measures to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th,  2015.

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