PAKISTAN, with its rapidly growing population and constrained healthcare resources, struggles with significant public health challenges. Historically, the country has focused on clinical care and disease treatment rather than prevention, overburdening the healthcare system. Shifting this focus towards public health—encompassing disease prevention, health promotion, and early intervention—could transform Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, improving outcomes, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable development.
The healthcare system in Pakistan predominantly addresses health issues after they arise. Over 70% of the national healthcare budget is allocated to hospitals and clinical care, leaving minimal resources for public health programs, according to the World Bank. This reactive approach contributes to high rates of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diarrhea, malnutrition, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC) reports that 35% of deaths in Pakistan stem from NCDs, many of which are preventable through early screening, education, and community initiatives. Investing in public health offers long-term cost savings, better health outcomes, and enhanced resilience to health crises.
Preventive measures, such as vaccinations and health education, are far more cost-effective than treating diseases. For example, vaccinations for polio, measles, and hepatitis B cost only a fraction of the expenses associated with treatment. UNICEF estimates that every dollar spent on vaccination saves $16 in healthcare costs. This shift could alleviate the burden of high out-of-pocket healthcare spending, which accounts for 56% of total healthcare expenditure in Pakistan, pushing many families into financial hardship.
Public health focuses on addressing the root causes of illness, fostering healthier environments, and reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases. Over 40% of children under five in Pakistan suffer from malnutrition, a condition that could be mitigated through initiatives targeting food security, nutrition education, and maternal health. Promoting healthier lifestyles could also help combat rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and other NCDs.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Pakistan’s inadequate public health infrastructure, particularly in testing, tracing, and communication. Strengthening public health systems would improve preparedness for future pandemics and ongoing health crises like dengue fever and tuberculosis. Investments in disease surveillance, public health research, and workforce training are crucial for safeguarding the population against both infectious diseases and global health threats.
A healthy population drives economic growth by enhancing productivity and reducing absenteeism. Preventive measures lower the long-term costs of treating chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, freeing government resources for other priorities. Moreover, a robust public health system attracts foreign investment, as companies are more inclined to invest in regions with a healthy workforce. Public health investments also support broader sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction, improved education outcomes, and gender equality, all of which are interconnected with health.
To maximize impact, Pakistan should prioritize:• Primary Healthcare: Expanding access, especially in rural areas, to include preventive services, early diagnosis, and community health education.• Health Education: Raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, family planning, and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent diseases.• Vaccination Programs: Increasing coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, to combat infectious diseases like polio and measles.• Sanitation and Clean Water: Enhancing access to clean water and sanitation to reduce waterborne diseases significantly.
Pakistan’s reliance on a clinical, treatment-focused healthcare model is financially unsustainable and leaves its population vulnerable to preventable illnesses. A shift towards preventive public health investment is imperative for reducing healthcare costs, improving outcomes, and fostering economic growth. By prioritizing public health, Pakistan can lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous society.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
