By Jannat Saeed
Availability and accessibility of a quality healthcare system is not a privilege rather it is a fundamental right that indicates the progressiveness of a nation. Economic development of any country is intertwined with human capital development that incorporates top-notch healthcare services and nutrition security. In Pakistan, the health budget for the year 2023 holds immense significance as it lays the foundation for addressing the nation's healthcare challenges and driving positive change.
In Pakistan, the provincial and federal budgets 2022, in terms of health to GDP ratio was 1.4 per cent. The Federal Budget 2023 was passed on 9th June and the health sector was allocated PKR 24.25 billion making up 2.8 per cent of the total development budget and 0.05 per cent of GDP. According to Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), the health budget as per the recommendations of World Health Organization needs to be enhanced to 6 per cent of GDP. Unfortunately, seeing the current GDP makes 6 per cent of GDP a far-sighted avenue of growth. The failure of the government to invest in healthcare systems adds pressure to the already underperforming healthcare sector. Moreover, the reliance of people on the private sector will continue to increase. The underprivileged population that is unable to rely on the private sector will be forced at the cusp of vulnerability making the loopholes in healthcare system a grave concern.
The government’s Sehat Sahulat Program that was launched in 2019 had three objectives, i.e. foremost financial safety nets against health-related cost, access to healthcare and quality management. As of now, Rs 2298.584 million has been allocated to Sehat Sahulat Program indicating a downward trend in healthcare investment.
A recent report by the IMF clearly mentioned that the country’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) had become unaffordable due to the already approved project and their high cost. This explains the lack of policy continuity for projects like Sehat Sahulat Programme that demands a high surge in cost for its completion.
On the bright side, key health interventions by the government include an integrated disease surveillance system, National Health Support Program, Universal health coverage package, extended immunization programme, TB control and polio eradication programme, efforts to control malaria, AIDS control program, better cancer treatment, and regulating the healthcare system. Irrespective of these progressive interventions the country is in a dire need of transparency along with policy continuity, and investment in key areas. Doubling or tripling the numbers can never indicate development in the healthcare sector. A feasible healthcare system lies on three pillars, i.e. accessibility, quality, and equity for its citizens. These three pillars play a pivotal role in the development of public healthcare systems. If even one of the pillars is tarnished, then it becomes solely a system that is only designed to fail.
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