A QUALITATIVE INSIGHT INTO THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the various features and problems of the health care system of Pakistan and reflect on the health issues of women. Study Design: Historical comparative study

Methodology: Qualitative methodology has been employed. The approach to reach findings in this research is historical interpretative. Primary documents such as government reports and reports of the international organization have been analyzed through the research technique of textual analysis.

 Results: The health care system of Pakistan comprises of various tiers from the level of the village through Tehsil to District. Various policies about health have been formulated and introduced by the Government of Pakistan, from time to time but most of these policies didn’t meet conclusive and practical shape. Moreover, there are various problems with the health care system such as absence or shortcoming of adequate expert force, provision of quality medicine, and above all less spending on the health sector by the government. As far as the health issues of women are concerned, women are suffering from multiple diverse and sophisticated diseases. Issues related to reproduction and pregnancies are common. There are cultural constraints as well which impedes women’s access to primary and secondary health care.

Conclusions: The Healthcare system of Pakistan is devoid of the latest technology and expectations of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For the reform of the health sector in Pakistan, it is concluded that the health sector requires enhanced spending on a budgetary level of government. Special attention, on the part of government and society, is required for uplift of women’s health and elimination of health problems. In this regard awareness programs for the males of society need to be launched so that women should not have accessibility to health facilities issues anymore