Healthcare is a fundamental right for every citizen, yet in Pakistan, this right seems to be far from reach for the common man. The obstacles to accessing healthcare are rooted in a mix of social, economic, and political factors. Pakistan’s healthcare system has become a complex issue, where on one hand, public hospitals are in disarray, and on the other, private hospitals remain out of reach for the average citizen.
For an individual from the middle class, obtaining basic healthcare is filled with hurdles. Public hospitals are crowded, with patient numbers increasing every day, while the number of doctors and staff falls short of meeting the demand.
When an ordinary citizen falls ill, they often turn to a public hospital first, only to face long lines and a lack of available staff. Doctors are often either absent or have irregular working hours, adding to the patient’s distress. Conversely, private hospitals present a completely different picture.
Private hospitals are equipped with modern machinery and high-quality facilities but are too expensive for the common citizen. This raises the question: where should economically challenged citizens go for treatment? Should they be left to suffer simply because they cannot afford medical care?
An even more troubling aspect of Pakistan’s healthcare system is the condition in rural areas. People living in urban centers may find it hard to imagine the state of healthcare in villages. There is a shortage of basic health centers, an absence of doctors, and a lack of essential facilities. Residents of these areas often have to travel long distances for treatment, and many die before they even understand the severity of their illness.
This leads to the question: where is the government in all this? What happened to the healthcare projects it promised? Though funds are allocated each year for the health sector, much of it is lost to corruption or spent on initiatives that remain inaccessible to the average person.
Another major issue in Pakistan’s healthcare system is the unavailability of medicines. Public hospitals claim to provide free medicines, but patients often have to buy costly medications from outside. Pharmacy prices are sky-high, making it nearly impossible for an average person to afford medication. As a result, people turn to unqualified practitioners and fake healers, who worsen their conditions.
The government has repeatedly promised healthcare reforms. Programs like the Sehat Insaf Card were introduced, aiming to provide every citizen access to quality healthcare. However, the reality is that only a small percentage of people benefit from these programs. Many eligible citizens are unaware of these programs, and those who have access to the card still struggle to receive the treatment they need.
In this context, Pakistan’s healthcare system resembles a hollow structure on shaky foundations, vulnerable to collapse at any time. Public trust in government hospitals is diminishing, while only the elite can afford private care. The ordinary citizen suffers, unable to afford treatment.
Improving the healthcare sector requires a comprehensive overhaul. First, the government needs to increase staff in public hospitals to provide timely treatment. Establishing health centers in rural areas with adequate facilities is essential to provide quality care for rural communities. Furthermore, measures must be taken to control the prices of medicines.
The government should also enhance programs like the Sehat Insaf Card and raise public awareness to ensure every citizen can benefit from these services. The private sector also has a role to play in expanding access to healthcare. A partnership between the government and private sector could improve healthcare quality and accessibility.
It is crucial to remember that access to healthcare is not just a social issue but a fundamental human right. It is the responsibility of the state to fulfill this right for its citizens. Serious measures are needed to address the gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
To provide quality healthcare to the people of Pakistan, not only should the budget for health be increased, but it should also be spent wisely. In addition to improving public hospitals, the private sector must be involved in public welfare projects so every citizen has access to medical treatment.
This is the time to advance healthcare reforms, ensuring that every citizen can access basic healthcare services.
Pakistan requires large-scale investment, better planning, and special focus on rural areas to ensure that every citizen in the country has access to quality and affordable healthcare. Making life easier and providing people with better living conditions is a fundamental duty of the government, yet unfortunately, no government has prioritized this area.
This lack of focus on healthcare is why people resort to healers and mystics, and instead of recovering, their conditions often worsen or even become fatal. There is an urgent need for the government to not only increase the health budget but also to ensure it is spent on public welfare and create policies that allow the average citizen to afford treatment.