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11 Health and Nutrition

Pakistan's health sector has shown improvement with increased life expectancy to 67.6 years and a decrease in infant mortality to 50.1 per 1,000 births by 2023. The government is committed to enhancing healthcare access and nutrition, with significant investments in health initiatives and a projected PSDP allocation of Rs 103.5 billion for FY 2024-25. Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in comparison to South Asian health indicators, highlighting the need for continued efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views22 pages

11 Health and Nutrition

Pakistan's health sector has shown improvement with increased life expectancy to 67.6 years and a decrease in infant mortality to 50.1 per 1,000 births by 2023. The government is committed to enhancing healthcare access and nutrition, with significant investments in health initiatives and a projected PSDP allocation of Rs 103.5 billion for FY 2024-25. Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in comparison to South Asian health indicators, highlighting the need for continued efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

Uploaded by

Azhar Iqbal.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Public Health 0.

9% Rs
Expenditure (as % of GDP)
FY2024

Health Sector 103.5 Rs

PSDP Allocation (Rs. billion)

Hospitals 1,696
(2024) P

Basic Health Units 5,434


(2024) P

Infant 50.1
Mortality Rate
(Per 1,000 Births)
(2023)

Life Expectancy 67.6


(2023)

Registered 319,572
Doctors (2024) P
Chapter 11

Adequate health and nutrition are fundamental 11.1 Health Profile of Pakistan
pillars for building a national human capital that Significant progress has been made in Pakistan's
facilitates achieving more productivity and helps health sector, including an increase in life
reduce poverty and hunger. The Government of expectancy at birth to 67.6 years in 2023 from
Pakistan, under Article 38 of the constitution, is 65.6 years in 2015 and an expansion of
committed to ensuring the well-being of the immunization programs nationwide. This is
evident from the rise in Diphtheria Pertussis
people through a multifaceted strategy to
Tetanus (DPT) immunization from 72 percent of
improve healthcare access and reduce children in 2015 to 86 percent of children aged
malnutrition. Given this perspective, the 12-23 months in 2023. Moreover, there is an
government of Pakistan is cognizant. Its improvement in immunization, a decrease in the
reflections can be witnessed from programs, incidence of tuberculosis, and reduced mortality
such as the Prime Minister National Programme rates.
for Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection, the Pakistan's healthcare performance is detailed by
National Action Plan for Health Security comparing key indicators of 2023 to those of
(NAPHS 2024-28), and the recently launched 2015. All indicators have significantly
Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network improved, indicating a better overall profile of
(SYN-Pakistan). Pakistan's health sector. Table 11.1 offers a
comprehensive overview of various metrics.

Table 11.1: Health Indicators of Pakistan


2015 2023
Life expectancy at birth (years) 65.6 67.6
Immunization, Measles (% of children ages (12-23) months) 75 84
Prevalence of HIV, Total (% of population ages 15-49) 0.1 0.2*
Immunization DPT (%age of children under 12-23 months) 72 86
Incidence of Tuberculosis (per 100,000 people) 278 277
Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 births) as per PDSH/PMMS 276(2007) 186(2019)
Neonatal Mortality rate (per 1000 live births) 45.3 37.6
Mortality rate, Infant (per 1000 live births) 64.10 50.1
*Available data for this indicator is for 2022
Source: World Development Indicators, UNICEF

Regional comparison was 30.2 per 1,000 live births, while the
In the South Asian region, the health landscape mortality rate of children under 5 years stood at
remains challenging, although there has been 34.8 per 1,000 live births. Nevertheless, Pakistan
slight improvement in recent years. As of 2023, is making efforts to improve its health sector
the average life expectancy of South Asian outcomes and bridge the gap with other South
countries stood at 71.6 years. Maternal mortality Asian countries. The key health sector indicators
rates recorded at 120 per 100,000 live births for South Asia are summarized in the following
(Table 11.2). The infant mortality rate in 2023 table to facilitate a comparison with Pakistan’s
performance.

195
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

Table 11.2: Regional Comparison of Health Indicators of South Asia and Pakistan (2023)
Indicators South Asia Pakistan
Life expectancy at birth (years) 71.6 67.6
Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 births)* 120 186 (2019)
Birth rate (Crude) per 1000 people 18.4 27.8
Mortality rate, Infant (per 1000 live births) 30.2 51
Prevalence of HIV (total %age of population 15-49 years of age) 0.19 0.20
* South Asia’s data as per modeled estimates by WDI
Source: World Development Indicators (WDI)

Pakistan's health indicators have shown modest achievements underscore Pakistan's


improvement compared to previous years. commitment to improving health outcomes and
Mortality rates and life expectancy at birth building a resilient healthcare system.
indicate progress, and the immunization profile Furthermore, investment and steps are in
has also improved. However, when compared to progress to fully meet SDG 3 targets.
the South Asian region, Pakistan has still a long
way to go. 11.1-a Human Resource in the Healthcare
Sector
Pakistan’s Progress on SDGs
To provide healthcare services to the population,
Pakistan has made steady progress toward it is important to have sufficient healthcare
achieving SDG 3 — Good Health and Well- professionals. Therefore, increasing the number
Being — despite facing persistent challenges. As of healthcare workers is essential to ensure the
per the Sustainable Development Report 2024, efficient delivery of health services. The table
the maternal mortality ratio has improved, below shows the number of healthcare personnel
reflecting positive developments in maternal in the nation. In 2024, there were 319,572
health services. Additionally, Pakistan continues registered doctors and 39,088 registered dentists,
its efforts to reduce neonatal and under-five compared to 299,113 doctors and 36,032 dentists
mortality rates, although these indicators still in 2023 (Table 11.3 and Fig-11.1). This
require accelerated action. The country has made represents an increase in the number of
advances in expanding immunization coverage registered doctors and dentists by 5.9 percent
and promoting universal health initiatives. These and 8.7 percent, respectively.
Table 11.3: Registered Medical and Paramedical personnel
Health manpower 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024(P)
Doctors 220,829 233,261 245,987 266,430 282,383 299,113 319,572
Dentists 22,595 24,930 27,360 30,501 33,156 36,032 39,088
Nurses 108,474 112,123 116,659 121,245 127,855 134,708 138,391
Midwives 40,272 41,810 43,129 44,693 46,110 46,404 46,801
Lady health workers 19,910 20,565 21,361 22,408 24,022 26,405 29,163
P: Provisional, Note: Data is reported on a calendar year basis
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

Fig-11.1: Registered Medical and Paramedical personnel


Lady health workers

Midwives
(Personnel)

Nurses

Dentists

Doctors

(No's) 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000

196
Health and Nutrition

Box-1: Global Hunger Index


Pakistan has been ranked 109th among 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, with a score of
27.9. The Global Hunger Index is a comprehensive tool that measures and tracks hunger at global, regional,
and national levels, primarily assessing key indicators such as the percentage of the population that is
undernourished, child stunting, child wasting, and the under-five mortality rate. For Pakistan, these indicators
stand at 20.7 percent, 33.2 percent, 10 percent, and 6.1 percent, respectively.
While Pakistan witnessed an improvement in its GHI score from 2000 to 2016, the score has risen at a higher
speed since 2016 from 24.6 to 27.9 in 2024, indicating a serious level of hunger. However, this trend aligns
with global patterns, where only a few countries have shown improvement.
Several factors have contributed to food insecurity in Pakistan, including high inflation, fiscal constraints, and
recurrent natural disasters. The devastating floods of 2022, triggered by extreme rainfall, led to a severe food
crisis, underscoring the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and food availability.
Compared to regional countries, Pakistan performs better than Afghanistan, which has a GHI score 30.8, but
trails slightly behind India (27.3) and moderately behind Bangladesh (19.4).

11.1-b Health expenditures increased by 9.7 percent, recorded at Rs 924.9


billion compared to Rs 843.2 billion in FY 2023.
Public health expenditures play a crucial role in
Table 11.4 below shows the consolidated funds
achieving universal health coverage. In Pakistan,
allocation position of federal and provincial
health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is
expenditures over the last 7 years, while Figure
currently very low, though the allocation is
11.2 illustrates Pakistan’s total health
anticipated to gradually increase in the years
expenditures.
ahead. In FY 2024, health expenditures

Fig-11.2: Expenditures on Health sector


2023-24

2022-23

2021-22
Rs million

2020-21

2019-20
Total Development Current

2018-19

0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000 700000 800000 900000 1000000

Table 11.4: Federal and Provincial Health Expenditures Rs million


Years Current Development Total Percent of
Expenditure Expenditures Expenditures GDP
2018-19 Federal 16,853 10,278 27,131 1.0
Punjab 187,943 30,982 218,925
Sindh 91,929 6,216 98,145
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 46,995 8,675 55,670
Balochistan 19,434 2,473 21,907
Pakistan 363,154 58,624 421,778
2019-20 Federal 11,439 12,856 24,295 1.1
Punjab 220,854 40,403 261,257
Sindh 115,303 3,815 119,118
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 58,289 15,132 73,421
Balochistan 22,030 5,290 27,320
Pakistan 427,915 77,496 505,411

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Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

2020-21 Federal 41,309 9,613 50,922 1.0


Punjab 221,469 52,705 274,174
Sindh 150,668 4,057 154,725
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 56,179 20,778 76,957
Balochistan 24,981 4,511 29,492
Pakistan 494,606 91,664 586,270
2021-22 Federal 153,030 9,530 162,560 1.4
Punjab 258,860 152,367 411,227
Sindh 177,735 10,047 187,782
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 95,302 28,865 124,167
Balochistan 27,362 6,320 33,682
Pakistan 712,289 207,129 919,418
2022-23 (P) Federal 31,397 4,495 35,892 1.0
Punjab 303,056 147,554 450,610
Sindh 199,474 5,158 204,632
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 111,368 10,980 122,348
Balochistan 22,012 7,685 29,697
Pakistan 667,307 175,872 843,179
2023-24 Federal 45,007 8,147 53,154 0.9
Punjab 377,282 174,595 551,876
Sindh 130,562 3,603 134,165
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 129,028 14,468 143,496
Balochistan 42,194 - 42,194
Pakistan 724,072 200,813 924,885
P: Provisional
Source: PRSP Budgetary Expenditures, Finance Division

11.1-c Health Sector Projects of Federal PSDP is set at Rs 1,150 billion. The PSDP
PSDP 2024-25 allocations for the health sector stand at
Every year, the federal government allocates Rs 103.530 billion. Most of the health sector
funds under PSDP for improving the health projects (41) are being sponsored by M/o
sector and development projects implemented NHSR&C, with an estimated total cost of Rs
by the Ministry of National Health Services, 154.588 billion and a PSDP allocation of Rs
Regulations & Coordination (M/o NHSR&C), 24.750 billion. Overall, there are multiple health
federal projects of provincial nature and special sector projects under PSDP 2024-25, with a total
areas, and the Pakistan Atomic Energy cost of Rs 339.378 billion and a total allocation
Commission (PAEC). of Rs 103.530 billion. The total foreign funding
share for the health sector in the PSDP of FY
The size of the current fiscal year’s Federal 2025 is Rs 12 billion

Table 11.5: Health Sector Projects in the Federal PSDP for FY 2025 Rs million
Sr. Name of Ministry /Organisation No. of Total Cost 2024-25 PSDP
No. Projects Allocation
1 Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and 41 154,588.06 24,750.00
Coordination
2 Province and Special Areas Multiple 175,138.49 74,500.00
3 Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission 4 9,651.854 4,280.53
Total 45 339,378.40 103,530.53
Source: Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives. (M/o PD&SI)

11.1-d Key Health Sector Initiatives was conducted by the M/o NHSR&C in 2024,
which has provided crucial insights for
The federal and provincial governments have
developing the new National Health and
undertaken the following initiatives and
Population Policy (2025-34). A comprehensive
interventions. The Mid-Term Third Party
analytical framework was developed to review
Review of the National Health Vision (NHV)

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Health and Nutrition

NHV 2016-25 across four domains: health security efforts. NAPHS also promotes
systems, health security, universal health intersectoral coordination, alignment with global
coverage (UHC), and multi-sectoral actions. health standards, mobilizes resources, and
This framework focused on both overall health includes a comprehensive monitoring and
outcomes and health equity improvements. The evaluation framework to track implementation
review has highlighted achievements and progress. By focusing on these components, it
challenges, particularly in improving maternal seeks to build a resilient health system capable
and child health, addressing non-communicable of effectively responding to health threats and
diseases, and ensuring equitable access to ensuring better health security for all citizens in
healthcare services for marginalized Pakistan
communities. The review recommended having
a unified Health and Population Policy for the ii) Prime Minister’s National Programme
country, also considering the directive of the for Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection
Prime Minister of Pakistan. Moving forward, the The Prime Minister’s National Programme for
new policy (in process of development) aims to the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection (2024-
adopt a holistic approach that integrates health 27) is a comprehensive initiative to address this
services with population services, aligns with public health challenge. The programme aims to
international frameworks such as the Sustainable screen, test, and treat 50 percent of the eligible
Development Goals (SDGs), and emphasizes population (aged 12 years and above) and
strengthening health infrastructure, preventive provide free access to antiviral medicines. The
health measures, and community engagement. programme utilizes WHO pre-qualified rapid
diagnostic testing (RDT) kits for screening, PCR
i) National Action Plan for Health Security
tests for confirmation, and effective antiviral
(NAPHS 2024-28)
treatment. The PC-1, with a duration from July
As a signatory to the International Health 2024 to June 2027 (3 years), amounting to Rs
Regulations (IHR 2005), Pakistan is committed 67.77 billion, was approved by the ECNEC, with
to enhancing its core public health capacities to a shared funding ratio of 51:49 between the
prevent, detect, and respond to potential health Federal and Provincial Governments. This
emergencies and threats. Despite Pakistan's initiative is expected to enhance public health,
commitment expressed during the COVID-19 reduce long-term healthcare expenditures, and
pandemic, the country has struggled to meet the improve economic productivity, aligning with
required IHR core capacities, posing risks not Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals
only to public health but also to trade, travel, and (SDGs) and WHO’s global elimination targets.
economic stability. NAPHS (2024-28) has been
developed based on the findings and Pakistan now ranks among the countries with the
recommendations of the Joint External highest HCV burden globally, and estimates
Evaluation (JEE 2023). It aims to strengthen indicate an alarming rise in liver cancer cases.
Pakistan’s health security framework by This three-year initiative seeks to expand HCV
strategically prioritizing critical areas for screening, testing, and treatment nationwide,
improvement and resilience. bridging existing gaps in healthcare access.
Moreover, a central procurement mechanism
The plan prioritizes strengthening disease will be established to acquire essential
surveillance, upgrading laboratory capacity, and commodities, including rapid tests, polymerase
improving health infrastructure to effectively chain reaction (PCR) tests, and treatment, which
manage emergencies. It emphasizes multi- will then be distributed to provinces based on
sectoral health workforce development through demand and coverage outcomes. Through a cost-
training on surge capacities and establishing effective, need-based distribution model, the
robust emergency preparedness and response program aims to enhance treatment accessibility
protocols. Community engagement and risk by providing free or subsidized medication
communication will be integral to fostering through provincial health programs. Moreover,
public awareness and participation in health large-scale awareness campaigns will be

199
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

launched to promote early detection and advancing long-term national development.


preventive measures.
iv) Pakistan Deworming Initiative (PDI)
iii) Prime Minister National Programme for Pakistan Deworming Initiative (PDI) was
prevention and control of Diabetes launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Planning,
Diabetes has also emerged as a critical public Development and Special Initiatives (M/o
health challenge in Pakistan, with prevalence PD&SI). PDI established a robust multi-sectoral
rates rising at an alarming pace. According to the governance structure to support its efforts,
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) bringing together federal and provincial health,
education, planning, and local government
Diabetes Atlas 2021, the overall prevalence of
stakeholders. This structure informs strategic
diabetes among adults in Pakistan stands at 26.7
and technical decision-making and oversees the
percent, affecting approximately 32.9 million implementation of mass drug administration
individuals. Of these, 22 percent have previously (MDA) rounds. The program primarily works
been diagnosed, while 4.7 percent represent through a school-based model in all areas. Still,
newly identified cases. The prevalence is in some districts, there is a hybrid model in
notably higher in urban areas (28.8 percent) than collaboration with health workers, with Sindh
in rural regions (25.3 percent), underscoring being the only province where the program is
disparities in lifestyle and healthcare access. In solely executed through health workers.
response, the government has introduced the
Programme for the Prevention and Control of Since its inception, PDI has made significant
Diabetes under the PSDP 2024-25. The project progress in controlling STH infections in at-risk
targets 33 million adults, representing 13 percent districts across all provinces and regions. In
of Pakistan's total adult population, with an 2024, the initiative successfully administered
estimated cost of Rs 6.8 billion. The cost will be over 14 million deworming tablets across five
shared between the Federal and Provincial MDAs, namely in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB),
Governments, spanning 5 years (2024-29). The Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Azad
Programme’s objectives include National Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This brings the total
Awareness Campaign for the prevention and number of treatments administered between
control of diabetes; screening, diagnosis, and 2019 and 2024 to approximately 40 million from
treatment services in federating areas and 25 MDAs (the treatment data for MDA
reaching more than 70 percent of the targeted campaigns conducted in February 2025 in
population for preventive diabetes services Balochistan and Islamabad Capital Territory
through primary health care facilities, lady (ICT) is not included).
health workers, and population-level
The National Steering and Coordination
interventions. The programme will be
Committee (NS&CC) developed a
implemented in Federating Areas (Islamabad,
comprehensive 'National Strategic Framework
Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir) in
and Operational Guidelines (NSF&OG) 2022-
Year-1 and all 4 provinces (Punjab, Sindh, KP,
Balochistan) from Year-2 onward. By 27, outlining program goals, key performance
indicators, and operational structures. The
addressing the growing diabetes epidemic, this
framework plans to extend to 2030. PDI initiated
initiative aims to reduce disease burden, improve
individual health outcomes, and strengthen the contextual adaptation of the framework for
each province and region, with plans to sustain
families and communities. Furthermore, it is
the deworming program through public
expected to contribute to socioeconomic
development by enhancing workforce financing and integration with existing health
infrastructure. For the areas of ICT, GB, and
productivity. Anticipated outcomes include
AJK, an umbrella project (PC-1) was proposed
improved health indicators, reduced healthcare
costs, and expanded economic opportunities, and is in the pipeline this year. Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have submitted
which are essential in combating poverty and

200
Health and Nutrition

their own individual PC-1 plans. In the case of for nutritional and travel support.
Punjab, deworming has been made part of the  Drug Resistant TB management services
Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy (MSNS) and is decentralized to an additional 6 districts
working towards inclusion in the existing (total 71 DRTB Care sites) to ensure
IRMNCH&NP PC-1. Meanwhile, Sindh has adequate supply of second-line medications
initiated the process for horizontal integration TB/HIV Collaboration-Screening of
within the health department and proposes to 144,587 TB patients for HIV in 55 TB/HIV
expand beyond the target district. Based on Centers.
WHO’s recommendation, a follow-up
 Roll out of electronic case-based TB
Prevalence Survey is planned for 2025-2026 in
surveillance through District Health
two phases, with AJK, KP, and ICT scheduled
Information System (DHIS)2 at the facility
for 2025, and the remaining provinces/areas for level in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
2026. Efforts are also underway to further scale Balochistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir,
up the program based on the lifecycle approach Gilgit-Baltistan, and ICT
in deworming to include other at-risk segments
of the population b) Malaria
 Increasing the number of Global Fund
v) Common Management Unit (CMU) districts from 60 to 80, with the inclusion of
for AIDS, TB & Malaria (ATM) 20 additional flood-affected districts.
The current governance arrangement of the Resultantly, an additional 1000 public health
Global Fund to manage AIDS, Tuberculosis, and facilities have been included for the said
Malaria, i.e., GFATM support to Pakistan, grant support, contributing to a total of more
similar to other countries that receive GFATM’s than 5500 service delivery centers across
support, comprises the Country Coordinating three provinces.
Mechanisms, Common Management Unit,  Treatment of more than 98 percent of
Principal and Sub-Recipients, and Local Fund confirmed Malaria cases according to the
Agent. In Pakistan, the coordination mechanism National Treatment guidelines.
has representation from the federal and
provincial governments, the private sector, non-  Distribution of 08 million Insecticide
government organizations, and persons living Treated Nets (ITN) to protect the population
with the disease as voting members, with the at high risk from Malaria in 20 high-burden
federal secretary of health as the chair, sharing districts.
representing the Government of Pakistan. The  Provision of 105,000 indoor residual spray
following are the primary measures and (IRS) sachets to the provinces for
initiatives taken by the CMU regarding control responding to the Malaria outbreak situation
and prevention of Malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS: in hot spots.
a) Tuberculosis  Training of 300 healthcare providers on
malaria case management, diagnosis
 Provided “free of cost” Drug Sensitive TB through RDT, and surveillance from July to
(DSTB) diagnostic and treatment care December 2024.
services to 252,803 patients through the
network of 1,929 public and private c) HIV/AIDS
healthcare facilities and 12,512 GP clinics  Provision of free-of-cost HIV/AIDS
 Provided “free of cost” Drug Resistant TB prevention services at 51 sites to address low
(DRTB) diagnostic and treatment care prevention and testing coverage among the
services to 2,162 patients through 71 Key Population by scaling up community-
treatment sites across Pakistan. based interventions.
Additionally, all enrolled DRTB patients  Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) sites
were provided social support of Rs 12,000 strengthened with provision of Human

201
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

Resources and necessary equipment, and The key activities also included:
free of cost testing and treatment services
 124 mobile units to improve access to
 Establishment of Opioid Agonist integrated immunization services in targeted
Maintenance Therapy (OAMT) sites, in megacities
Mayo Hospital Lahore & JPMC Karachi, to
reduce HIV risk among injecting drug users.  Conducted Measles Outbreak Response in
May 2024 by reaching 4.1 million children
 44 Mobile Vans and six refrigerated trucks
from 6 months to 5 years in 34 districts and
were provided to provinces for active case
finding and transportation of drugs to TCV campaign in Sindh by reaching 8.2
treatment centers across the country. million children from 6 months to 15 years
in Karachi Division and Hyderabad District
 Implementation of Differentiated Service
Delivery (DSD) model in Punjab for the  Sehat Tahafuz Helpline 1166 to provide
general population with expansion in interactive response to callers from across
treatment services from DHQ to THQ levels, the country in local languages on Polio (6.1
supported by Mobile clinics for outreach million calls), Routine Immunization (1.7
activities, engagement of Community million), COVID-19 (8.3 million), and other
Health Workers and Peer Navigators, and health issues
Drop-In Centers  Crisis Communication Management to
 Awareness Campaigns; Mass media/ Radio timely and effectively manage any untoward
campaigns in various languages (Urdu, incident having the potential for any
Pushto, Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi) through negative impact on vaccination activity
FM 101 in 20 cities and engagement of
religious scholars on HIV preventive  Immunization services have been restored in
services with special focus on people who 33 flood-affected districts across the country
inject drugs (PWIDs). following the 2022 floods.

vi) Expanded Programme on Immunization vii) Cancer treatment


(EPI) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
The Government of Pakistan has been providing supports the peaceful, safe, and secure
free immunization services against vaccine- application of nuclear science and technology
preventable diseases since 1978. At present, for sustainable socioeconomic development. It is
vaccination against Childhood Tuberculosis, the pioneer in using radiation in the health sector
Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, and has made significant contributions to the
Streptococcal Meningitis, Haemophilus management, prevention, and control of cancer
Influenza type b (Hib), Tetanus, Measles, and other non-communicable diseases in
Rubella, and Typhoid is being provided under Pakistan.
the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The
AECHs comprise well-established Pathology
programme targets almost 6.8 million children
(Hematology and Biochemistry), Radio
nationwide and approximately the same number
Immunoassay, Hepatitis B&C Screening,
of pregnant women against Tetanus in one year.
Dengue screening, Molecular Diagnostic and
Over time, a number of new vaccines, e.g.,
Research laboratories, a Blood collection center,
Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae type b
and newborn screening.
(Hib), Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine
(PCV), Inactivated Polio vaccine (IPV), About 80 percent of Pakistan's cancer burden is
Rotavirus vaccine, Typhoid Conjugated Vaccine catered to by PAEC cancer hospitals, as cancer
(TCV), and Rubella, were introduced. EPI plans patients are treated in Atomic Energy Cancer
to introduce Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in a Hospitals (AECHs) irrespective of their stage
phased manner from 2025 to 2027. and financial status. Over 1.0 million procedures

202
Health and Nutrition

and approximately 40,000 new cancer patients viii) Capacity building and Specialized
are treated annually at AECHs. At present, there Trainings for Health Sector preparedness
are 2600 personnel are employed in hospitals, and response during disasters
comprising 250 doctors, 76 medical physicist, 47 The National Disaster Management Authority
biomedical engineers and 43 radio pharmacists (NDMA) took various measures to avoid
and scientists. humanitarian crises during disasters. The
following are capacity-building and training
The following targets have been achieved by FY programs conducted to respond to the health
2025: issues immediately during disasters.
 As part of the PSDP project, the upgrade of  Gender and Child Cell (GCC) in NDMA
AEMC-II, the installation of new gamma facilitated two key Minimum Initial Service
cameras, and radioisotope scanning have Package (MISP) training sessions to bolster
been completed. This has resulted in an emergency reproductive health service
increase in the number of patients treated at delivery. From 29th - 31st July 2024, a
AEMC, Karachi. national training was conducted in
 AECH DINAR provides quality anti-cancer Islamabad, with 28 participants from
governmental and non-governmental
medicines at subsidized rates to its cancer
organizations across Azad Jammu &
patients through the Pharmacy run by the
Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP),
DINAR Patient Welfare Society (DPWS).
and Islamabad. The training equipped
DPWS Pharmacy has achieved ISO program managers and policymakers with
9001:2015 Certification, demonstrating its tools to prioritize Reproductive Health and
commitment to delivering high-quality Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocacy,
patient care and adhering to international particularly in climate-induced disaster
standards. scenarios. The second MISP training, held in
 Students/fellows attended AECHs for 6-8 Gilgit Baltistan from 25th to 27th September
weeks and received specialized training in 2024, focused on strengthening frontline
the fields of Nuclear Medicine, Radiation & responders’ capacities to address
reproductive health needs during
Medical Oncology, Radiology, and Medical
emergencies.
Physics. Events for cancer awareness and
campaigns for cancer prevention/control are  First Responders Training for Women was
a regular feature at all AECH. Over 338 such conducted on 27-28 January 2025, a
events were organized throughout Pakistan, specialized two-day training session at
including seminars, workshops, and walks Fatima Jinnah Women’s University,
for general public education. Rawalpindi, empowering 37 women
participants, including students, faculty
 Research work is continued on various members, and NDMA staff, with first aid,
IEAC TC/RCA projects and others in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
collaboration with national and international gender-sensitive disaster response, and
organizations. critical skills for addressing GBV and SRH
in emergencies
 Upgradation of AECHs, GINUM
(Gujranwala), NORI (Islamabad), BINO  During the 29th Conference of Parties
(Bahawalpur), AEMC (Karachi), KERAN (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, NDMA
(Karachi), INMOL (Lahore), NIMRA Pakistan, through GCC, hosted a high-
(Jamshoro), through PSDP funding & impact panel discussion on Exacerbation of
IRNUM (Peshawar), SINOR (Swat) and GBV and Reproductive Health Issues due to
NIMRA (Jamshoro) through ADP funding the Climate Crisis. The session emphasized
are underway. Pakistan’s experiences and shared
recommendations on integrating the above

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Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

issues into global climate action The DHIS is being upgraded under the World
frameworks. Bank-funded National Health Support Program
11.1-e Provincial Performance in the Health to further bolster health sector governance. This
Sector in FY 2025 will enhance monitoring, surveillance, and data-
driven decision-making in the sector. Moreover,
Punjab to improve accessibility and delivery of
Punjab health care initiatives are implemented healthcare services, Tele-Health Service has
under the Punjab Health Initiative Management been introduced on a pilot basis, leveraging
Company (PHIMC), primarily targeted at health technology to extend healthcare services to
coverage and relief of medical beneficiaries remote and underserved populations.
from medical expenses. Currently, the
implementation of the Universal Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Insurance Program/Sehat Sahulat Program is in In July-March FY 2025, the KP Sehat Card Plus
progress under PSDP. The allocation of PSDP Programme received 272 hospital applications
FY 2025 for the project is Rs 54 million to
during the annual empanelment cycle for
reduce out-of-pocket public expenditures for
empanelment, out of which 130 hospitals were
vulnerable segments of society, and with a mix
selected across the province. During this period,
of public and private service delivery. PHIMC
coverage has been expanded to over 34 million 251,252 patient admissions were recorded under
families with around 360 public and private the program, incurring healthcare costs
hospitals, and the treatment of 9.3 million amounting to Rs 6.9 billion. Additionally, four
patients has been successfully done. high-cost treatments — kidney transplant, liver
transplant, bone marrow transplant, and cochlear
Sindh implant — were approved for coverage, and a
The Government of Sindh’s overall health vision special reserve fund has been established for this
is based on “Health for All”. In pursuit of this purpose.
objective, a total allocation of Rs 320.147 billion Balochistan
has been earmarked for the health sector during
the outgoing fiscal year. This includes Rs 18 The health care department of Balochistan has
billion for development expenditures, Rs approved and incorporated 22 health care
287.756 billion for recurrent expenditures, and projects. These projects were designed to
Rs 14.391 billion for medical education address the health care gaps. The key projects are
initiatives. Under the development portfolio, 148 the Health on Wheels programme to provide
ongoing schemes are being actively pursued, health care services in rural areas, the
alongside the launch of 62 new schemes to establishment of a dental college in Quetta, and
further strengthen the healthcare infrastructure. nursing colleges at Khuzdar, Lasbella, and
Major initiatives include upgrading and Loralai. Moreover, the establishment and
expanding Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural extension of hospitals and establishment and
Health Centers (RHCs), and Mother & Child strengthening of emergency services like 1122
Health Care Centers across the province. on a cost-sharing basis. The Government of
Balochistan’s health department, along with
Four state-of-the-art simulation centers have technical support from M/o NHSR&C has
been established to enhance diagnostic developed a comprehensive health and
capacities. In addition, the Sindh Human Capital population policy for the next decade by
Project for Integrated Health and Population has focusing on emerging health challenges.
been initiated, focusing on the repair, Moreover, a multisectoral health workforce has
rehabilitation, and operational improvement of been developed to meet the requirements of the
dispensaries, BHUs, RHCs, and teaching IHR.
hospitals.

204
Health and Nutrition

Gilgit Baltistan The Family Planning and Primary Healthcare


Programme (PHC) has recruited more than
Various health sector development projects are
3,068 LHWs in AJK covering 67 percent of the
being implemented in GB, with a total cost of Rs
population. The programme provides services
21.8 billion. For this purpose, an allocation of Rs
encompassing the health conditions of women
2.6 billion has been made under PSDP FY 2025.
and children through improved sanitation, birth
Major projects include the establishment of a
spacing, iron supplementation, more extensive
250 bed hospital at Skardu, where construction
vaccination coverage, and antenatal and
has been completed and installation of
postnatal Coverage (ANC and PNC) of pregnant
machinery is in progress. A cardiac hospital has
women.
been established in Gilgit, and the construction
of accommodation facilities for nursing and According to the national strategic Plan, AJK
paramedic staff is underway. Upgrading the has been selected for the malaria elimination
Provincial Headquarter Hospital, in line with the phase along with ICT and Punjab by 2030.
approved master plan, is also in progress, Umbrella PC-1 is under process of approval at
achieving 35 percent physical progress during the federal level, and the AJK share has been
July-March FY 2025. made part of this umbrella PC-1
Azad Jammu and Kashmir The Maternal and Child Health (MNCH)
The Government of AJK is fully conscious that programme has been implemented with the
access to quality healthcare facilities for the support of the Federal Government through the
general public is of utmost importance. There is development budget from 2007 to 2023, with the
a strong motivation for attaining Universal aim of providing better access and quality to
Health Coverage (UHC) through health sector mother and child health and family planning
reform initiatives, including population control, services, with the provision of comprehensive
expanding health insurance, and strengthening Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care
family-based health care in the country. The (EmONC) services. Currently, the program is
strategies adopted for the health sector are to being financed through the development budget
interpret the government's priority agenda to of the government of AJK till June 2025.
achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
11.2 Nutrition Profile of Pakistan
Health coverage in AJK is still inadequate. There Nutrition remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s
are approximately 2950 Hospital beds available human development agenda, given its far-
in the area, averaging one bed per 1468 people. reaching implications for health, education,
The total number of doctors is 1230, out of economic productivity, and intergenerational
which there are 68 Health Managers, 352 well-being. Malnutrition affects individual
specialists, 82 Dental Surgeons, and 728 health outcomes and has a far-reaching impact
Medical Officers. There is a ratio of 0.81 per on national development and global progress.
10000 Population in respect of specialists, 1.68 Stunting occurs predominantly within the first
in respect of Medical Officers of and 0.19 in 1000 days post-conception and stems from a
respect of Dentists and Surgeons. nexus of socioeconomic determinants, dietary
insufficiencies, infections, maternal health, and
Moreover, the health Department is
environmental factors. It significantly impacts a
implementing Dengue control measures
child’s health, physical growth, brain
throughout the state of AJK and launched an
development, and cognitive abilities.
extensive community awareness campaign
targeting 100 percent population of the State. It The consequences of poor nutrition reverberate
has established a Dengue Control & Operational across every facet of a country's development,
Cell at the Directorate of CDC under the hindering progress towards multiple SDGs, as
supervision of the General Health Office that is nutrition is strongly linked to almost 12 of the 17
continuously monitoring the disease situation on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
a daily basis.

205
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

Recognizing this, the government has government of Pakistan has made substantial
undertaken various initiatives at the federal and efforts to improve institutional mechanisms for
provincial levels to address malnutrition nutrition governance, resource allocation, and
holistically. Nutrition is a key development program delivery. Table 11.6 depicts the
priority in the URAAN Pakistan Economic nutrition profile of Pakistan.
Transformation Plan, the 13th Five-Year Plan,
Pakistan faces major challenges in meeting the
Annual Plan, and the 5Es and 4RFs Frameworks.
food security and nutrition targets of Sustainable
Interventions are increasingly designed to be
Development Goal (SDG) 2 by 2030. As
nutrition-sensitive, ensuring that policies and
approximately 34 percent of children under 5
programs across sectors contribute meaningfully
years of age are stunted. By comparing with
to improving nutrition outcomes.
average South Asian Countries’ indicators, basic
The government strengthened collaboration with drinking water, sanitation facilities, and stunting
development partners, civil society, and are performing lower in Pakistan, except for the
academia to promote innovation, support prevalence of overweight for a percent of
evidence generation, and expand the reach of children under 5 years of age, which is lower in
effective nutrition interventions. The the case of Pakistan.
Table 11.6: Comparison of Nutrition Indicators of Pakistan and South Asia (2023)
South Asia Pakistan
Prevalence of overweight (%age of children under 5) 3.0 2.30
People using at least basic sanitation facilities (%age of population)* 75.5 70.5
People using at least basic drinking facilities (%age of population)* 93.1 90.6
Prevalence of Undernourishment (%age of population)* 14.5 20.7
Stunting prevalence among children (under age 5 %age) 32.3 33.7
* Data for Nutrition indicators is for the year 2022
Source: WDI, Global Health Observatory

11.2-a Availability of food in Pakistan: 11.2-b Cost of Minimum Food Basket (per
Achieving proper nutrition depends on the capita per month)
availability and accessibility of various The cost of the minimum food basket fluctuates
nutritious foods. The food balance sheet from July 2024 to March 2025 (Figure 11.3). An
provides essential insights into the supply of upward trend followed by a sharp decline was
major food commodities through a detailed observed in the cost of the food basket per capita
analysis of data on production, imports, and per month during this period, rising from Rs
exports. A review of key food items over the past 5,963 in July to a peak of Rs 6,227 in December
three fiscal years highlights significant shifts in 2024, then sharply declining to Rs 5,639 in
their availability (Table 11.7). The per capita
March 2025. The cumulative change in costs
availability of essential food commodities was
decreased by 5.4 percent from July 2024 to
low in 2022-23 due to the adverse effects of the
floods. However, per capita calorie availability March 2025. A detailed breakdown of the per
has risen during 2023-24 and 2024-25, reflecting capita per annum availability of food will be
the nation’s ongoing recovery efforts. provided in Table 11.7.

Table 11.7: Food Availability per Capita per Annum


Food Items 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25(E)
Cereals 151.94 163.11 170.47
Pulses 6.87 5.88 6.12
Milk (liter) 163.79 164.73 165.80
Meat 22.79 23.12 24.17
Fish 2.55 2.55 2.36
Eggs (dozen) 8.22 8.48 8.76
Edible Oil/ Ghee 13.97 12.96 13.05
Fruits & Vegetables 60.30 65.32 59.81
Sugar 27.65 27.91 27.77
Calories/day 2585.83 2658.84 2719.69
E: Estimated on the basis of previous trend
Source: M/o National Food Security and Research, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

206
Health and Nutrition

Fig-11.3: Cost of Food Basket (Per Capita/Month)


6300

6200

6100

6000
Cost (Rs)

5900

5800

5700

5600
Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25

Source: Nutrition Section MoPD&SI

11.2-c Key Initiatives for Nutrition development of young children. It reflects a


Improvement national commitment to align multisectoral
efforts by providing strategic insights to
In the fiscal year 2024-25, a multitude of
guide program implementation and foster
initiatives/ programs have been carried out,
effective partnerships.
capitalizing on the positive momentum accrued
from the efforts of the previous year. ii. The development of ECD Standards and
Noteworthy initiatives at the federal level Index has been initiated to establish clear
encompass the following: benchmarks for early childhood
development. Additionally, efforts are
i. The nutrition convergence program underway to enhance Key Family Care
“National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Practices (KFCP) through the creation of a
Program to Reduce Stunting and Other comprehensive Parenting Package, aimed at
Forms of Malnutrition” Under the Pakistan equipping caregivers with the knowledge
Nutrition Initiative (PANI) is in process. and tools needed to support the holistic
The overall objective of the project is to development of young children.
contribute to preventing and reducing all
forms of malnutrition through the iii. The Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP)
convergence of nutrition direct and indirect continued its efforts to support vulnerable
interventions and the implementation of the groups by providing targeted assistance
sectoral programs (food, agriculture, (cash transfers and nutritious food) to
WASH, social protection, health, pregnant and lactating women and children
population, education, and climate change, under two years of age. By focusing on the
etc.). It will harmonize provincial critical first 1,000 days of life, BNP aims to
objectives with national goals and improve maternal and child health
international commitments, facilitate and outcomes, prevent stunting, and reduce the
support harmonized national reporting long-term impacts of malnutrition on
against global commitments and strengthen physical and cognitive development.
multi-sectoral nutrition governance, iv. Pakistan’s commitments for the Nutrition
accountability, and coordination for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025 were
mechanisms for improved convergence and developed through in-depth consultations
capacity building through supervision and with provincial governments and key
M&E. The National Early Childhood stakeholders, ensuring that they align with
Development (ECD) Policy framework has both national nutrition priorities and global
been developed as a foundational roadmap goals. These consultations aimed to create a
to promote the comprehensive unified approach to addressing malnutrition,

207
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

considering regional challenges and needs.  National Health Support Program (NHSP)
Technical Assistance (TA) Component
v. The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth
costing Rs 6,382.78 million with allocation
Network (SYN-Pakistan) was launched on
of Rs 2,711.05 million
20th February 2025. This is a transformative
step in empowering young people to become  Chief Minister Punjab Schools Meal
key advocates for improved nutrition. The Program costing Rs 1,000 million with
initiative is dedicated to mobilizing youth to allocation of Rs 500 million
raise awareness, inspire healthy lifestyle  Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project
choices, and actively contribute to policy (SPPAP)-IFAD Assisted costing
reforms to eliminate malnutrition. Rs 2,5243.13 million with allocation of
vi. Consultative sessions have been held to Rs 4,613.71 million
develop strategies for securing sustainable  Punjab Family Planning Program TA
nutrition financing, improving financial Component costing Rs 4,282.35 million
management, and integrating innovative with allocation of Rs 1,885.05 million
funding mechanisms to ensure long-term  Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy for
program sustainability. WASH, including Water Supply, Sanitation,
vii. A two-day workshop on “Pathways to Hygiene, and Wastewater costing
Sustainable Nutrition Financing” was held, Rs 1,108.06 million with allocation of
gathering key stakeholders from federal and Rs 80 million
provincial government bodies, development  Establishment of Day Care Centers through
partners, INGOs, and NGOs. The event Punjab Day Care Fund Society, costing
discussed strategies to strengthen nutrition Rs 1,000 million, with allocation of Rs 500
financing practices and stressed the need to million
prioritize nutrition as a government-led
 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)
initiative.
Punjab, 2022-23 costing Rs 283.87 million
with allocation of Rs 50.15 million
11.2-d Nutrition programs taken under
provincial governments Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The provincial governments have also The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has
implemented nutrition programs, which are implemented the following nutrition-specific
summarized below: programs:

Punjab  Integration of Health Services Delivery with


a Special Focus on MNCH, LHW, and
The Government of Punjab has implemented the
Nutrition Program costing Rs 7,027.23
following nutrition-specific and sensitive
million with allocation of Rs 1750 million
programs:
 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Stunting Prevention
 Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Rehabilitation Integrated Nutrition Gain
& Child Health (IRMNCH) and Nutrition (KP SPRING Project) (SDGs) costing
Program (Phase-III) costing Rs 7,592.38 Rs 2217.85 million with allocation of Rs 90
million with allocation of Rs 500 million million
 Chief Minister’s Stunting Reduction  Stunting Prevention through Improved
Program 11 Southern Districts of Punjab Nutrition and Agriculture Development
costing Rs 3,478.30 million with allocation Initiative costing Rs 1,500 million with
of Rs 396.89 million allocation of Rs 457 million
 Prime Minister’s Health Initiative (PMHI)  Agriculture Productivity Enhancement for
costing Rs 3,528.64 million with allocation Livelihood and Food Security in Merged
of Rs 213.78 million Areas (AIP) costing Rs 1,000 million with
allocation of Rs 50 million

208
Health and Nutrition

 Poverty Alleviation through Enhancement  Population Welfare sector allocation


of Milk Meat Value Chain in Merged Areas Rs 67.495 million
costing Rs 470.23 million with allocation of  WASH sector allocation Rs 3,279 million
Rs 60 million
Balochistan
 Development of Cold-Water Fisheries in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa costing Rs 772.148 The Government of Balochistan has earmarked
million with allocation of Rs 129.305 the following nutrition-specific and sensitive
million programs:
 Establishment of Trout Villages in  National Maternal Newborn & Childcare
Malakand and Hazara Division costing (MNCH) Programme costing Rs 1,614
Rs 395.95 million, with allocation of million with allocation of Rs 171 million
Rs 38.69 million  “Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support
 Promotion of Fisheries in Merged Areas Project Phase-II (GLLSP-II) IFAD” at a
costing Rs 204.24 million with allocation of total cost of Rs 12,328.55 million with
Rs 40 million allocation of Rs 2962.30 million, is being
implemented in two districts, i.e., Gwadar
 Provision of Facilities in Existing Primary
and Lasbela
Schools for Early Child Education costing
Rs 198.50 million with allocation of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Rs 0.001 million The Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir has
 National Health Support Programme implemented the following nutrition-specific
(Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Component) costing and sensitive programs:
Rs 2,520.01 million with allocation of  ECD in 300 Middle Schools in AJK (Phase-
Rs 0.001 million III) costing Rs 84.98 million with allocation
 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Human Capital of Rs 43.64 million
Investment Project Health Component  Agro-Ecological Based Fruit, Vegetable &
costing Rs 24,224.92 million with allocation Agriculture Development as Enterprise in
of Rs 0.001 million AJK costing Rs 64.79 million with
 Deworming Initiative of School-aged allocation of Rs 4.27 million
Children in KP costing Rs 218.70 million  Promotion of Olive cultivation in AJK
with allocation of Rs 25 million costing Rs 63.88 million with allocation of
Rs 30 million
Sindh
 Sheep / Goat Development Program in AJK
The Government of Sindh has implemented the costing Rs 60.15 million with allocation of
following nutrition-specific measures: Rs 57.3 million
 Accelerated Action Plan (AAP) for  Establishment of 03 Mobile Food Testing
Reduction of Stunting and Malnutrition- Laboratories at the Divisional Headquarters
Nutrition specific and sensitive of AJK costing Rs 140.97 million with
interventions proposed in the following allocation of Rs 59.97 million
sectors;  Water quality Profiling and source
 Health Sector (PPHI) allocation is Rs 4,320 characterization in AJK costing Rs 103.11
million million with allocation of Rs 55 million
 Livestock Sector allocation is Rs 1,639.74  AJK Social Protection Program Phase-II
million costing Rs 117 million with allocation of Rs
43.47 million
 Fisheries Sector allocation Rs 957 million
 MNCH Services in AJK costing Rs 306.62
 Agriculture Sector allocation Rs 799.26
million with allocation of Rs 290.33 million
million

209
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) allocation of Rs 5 million


The Government of GB has implemented the  Promotion of Commercialized Agriculture
following nutrition-specific and sensitive through Effective Production Mechanism in
programs: Skardu, costing Rs 52 million, with
allocation of Rs 4.66 million
 Establishment of ECD Centers in
Educational Institutions of GB costing Rs 11.3 Narcotics Control and Drug
190 million with allocation of Rs 8 million Rehabilitation Efforts
 Targeting Blue Revolution Towards Food,
Pakistan’s anti-narcotics efforts revolve around
Nutrition & Livelihood Security through
three main pillars: drug supply reduction, drug
Conservation of Local Species in GB
demand reduction, and international
costing Rs 80 million with allocation of Rs
cooperation, as described in the Anti-Narcotics
8.282 million
Policy 2019.
 Improving Rural Livelihood and Food
Security Through Modern Agricultural Previously, the narcotics control division now
Techniques in District Ghizer, costing Rs 30 merged with the Ministry of Interior at the start
million, with allocation of Rs 5 million of 2025. To control the demand for Narcotics,
the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) conducted
 Ensuring Food Security and Economic various activities, including seminars, lectures,
Growth Through Extension of Trout and conferences, to create awareness among the
Farming in District Ghizer, costing Rs 50 masses.
million, with allocation of Rs 8 million
The case has been initiated to issue notification
 Food Fortification Programme of the Food
for the establishment of the Federal Narcotics
Department GB costing Rs 99 million with
Testing Laboratory at ANF Academy,
allocation of Rs 13.56 million
Islamabad, under section 34 of the Control of
 Food Management Information System in Narcotics Substance Act 1997. There is one
GB (FMIS) costing Rs 37.5 million with development project under the PSDP 2023-24
allocation of Rs 4.89 million and 2024-25, i.e. Model Addiction Treatment
 GB Scaling Up Nutrition Program costing and Rehabilitation Centers (MATRC) at
Rs 175 million with allocation of Rs 5.30 Islamabad, with an estimated cost of Rs 456.38
million million. Moreover, in July-March FY 2025,
6523 drug demand reduction activities were
 Establishment of high-value fruit nurseries conducted. from July-March FY 2025, 2,386
in 10 districts (2 each in districts) costing Rs patients were treated in MATRC. The month-
50 million with allocation of Rs 5 million wise treatment in each hospital is depicted in
 Promotion of Fruits and Honey Value-added Table 11.8.
Products in GB costing Rs 50 million with
Table 11.8: No of Patients treated at MATRC (July-March 2024-25) In nos.
Month MATRC MATRC MATRC MATRC MATRC MATRC MATRC Total
Karachi Lyari Malir Mangopir Islamabad Sukkur Hyderabad Quetta
July-2024 72 59 69 20 13 30 5 268
Aug-2024 46 79 67 19 12 37 15 275
Sep-2024 77 64 68 18 18 39 18 302
Oct-2024 58 68 70 14 16 29 22 277
Nov-2024 64 59 75 17 10 34 20 279
Dec-2024 61 56 50 20 18 33 18 250
Jan-2025 62 47 64 15 08 32 21 249
Feb-2025 53 50 43 21 14 28 12 221
Mar-2025 74 49 55 13 11 35 22 259
Total 567 531 561 157 120 297 153 2386
Source: Narcotics Control Division

210
Health and Nutrition

is committed to enhancing the health and


Concluding Remarks
nutrition of the population and is working
Pakistan has made significant progress in the towards achieving the SDGs 2030 targets. So,
health and nutrition sector, as evident from the recently launched URAAN Pakistan and the
improvement in life expectancy, infant mortality SUN Youth network nutrition program will also
rate, immunization, and per capita calorie contribute to further improving Pakistan's health
availability. This became possible due to and nutrition sector. However, there is a pressing
government efforts to provide a better standard need to increase healthcare spending, provide
of living and welfare initiatives. The government adequate facilities, and raise awareness.

211
TABLE 11.1

NATIONAL MEDICAL AND HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS, Progressive (Calendar Year Basis)

(Numbers)
Year Hospitals Dispen- BHUs Maternity Rural TB Total Population
saries Sub & Child Health Centres Beds per Bed
Health Health Centres
Centres Centres
2011 980 5,039 5,449 851 579 345 107,537 1,647
2012 1,092 5,176 5,478 628 640 326 111,802 1,616
2013 1,113 5,413 5,471 687 667 329 118,378 1,557
2014 1,143 5,548 5,438 670 669 334 118,170 1,591
2015 1,172 5,695 5,478 733 684 339 119,548 1,604
2016 1,243 5,971 5,473 755 668 345 124,821 1,565
2017 1,264 5,654 5,505 727 688 431 131,049 1,585
2018 1,279 5,671 5,527 747 686 441 132,227 1,608
2019 1,282 5,743 5,472 752 670 412 133,707 1,579
2020 1,289 5,849 5,561 752 719 410 147,112 1,463
2021 1,276 5,832 5,559 781 736 416 146,053 1,501
2022 1,284 5,584 5,520 798 697 417 151,661 1,472
2023 1,696 5,627 5,434 822 783 482 167,947 1,353
2024 (P) 1,696 5,627 5,434 822 783 482 167,947 1,353
P: Provisional - : Not Available Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

129
TABLE 11.2
REGISTERED MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL (Progressive)
AND EXPENDITURE ON HEALTH, (Calendar Year Basis)
(Numbers)
Regis- Regis- Regis- Register- Register-
Population per Expenditure (Rs. Million)**
tered tered tered ed Mid- ed Lady
Year
Doctors Dentists Nurses wives Health Doctor Dentist Develop- Non-Develop-
* * * Visitors ment ment
2011 152,368 11,649 77,683 30,722 12,621 1,162 15,203 27,658 78,359
2012 160,880 12,692 82,119 31,503 13,678 1,123 14,238 29,898 104,284
2013 167,759 13,716 86,183 32,677 14,388 1,099 13,441 31,781 129,421
2014 175,223 15,106 90,276 33,687 15,325 1,073 12,447 55,904 146,082
2015 184,711 16,652 94,766 34,668 16,448 1,038 11,513 65,213 165,959
2016 195,896 18,333 99,228 36,326 17,384 997 10,658 75,249 192,704
2017 208,007 20,463 103,777 38,060 18,400 957 9,730 99,005 229,957
2018 220,829 22,595 108,474 40,272 19,910 963 9,413 87,434 329,033
2019 233,261 24,930 112,123 41,810 20,565 905 8,471 58,624 363,154
2020 245,987 27,360 116,659 43,129 21,361 875 7,868 77,496 427,915
2021 266,430 30,501 121,245 44,693 22,408 823 7,190 91,664 494,606
2022 282,383 33,156 127,855 46,110 24,022 791 6,734 207,129 712,289
2023 299,113 36,032 134,708 46,404 26,405 760 6,306 175,872 667,307
2024 (P) 319,572 39,088 138,391 46,801 29,163 723 5,911 200,813 724,072
- : Not available Source: Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC)

*: Registered with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and Pakistan Pakistan Nurses Council. (PNC)
Nursing Council. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
** : Expenditure figures are for respective Financial Year PRSP Budgetary Expenditure, External
Finance (Policy wing), Finance Division

130
TABLE 11.3
DATA ON EXPANDED PROGRAMME OF IMMUNIZATION VACCINATION PERFORMANCE
(Calendar Year Basis)
Nos. in 000

Vaccine/doze. 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

B.C.G. 6233.7 6356.5 6608.4 7261.5 7019.4 7141.2 7514.4 7782.4 7669.7
POLIO
0 5120.1 5420.8 5818.8 6220.4 6339.8 6239.7 6604.8 6868.2 7144.8
I 5990.7 6001.4 6138.1 6618.3 6607.1 6593.4 7066.8 6983.2 7302.7
II 5537.9 5618.4 6138.1 6249.3 6239.1 6172.1 6643.0 6508.7 6716.9
III 5378.7 5455.2 5672.4 6115.9 6124.0 6128.9 6638.5 6480.1 6760.9
PENTAVALENT
I 5933.6 6009.0 5526.7 6725.8 6145.7 6650.3 7082.7 6950.9 7226.4
II 5532.2 5625.0 6139.5 6360.6 5766.4 6224.7 6649.4 6518.1 6682.2
III 5371.7 5472.0 5676.0 6231.3 5665.8 6167.6 6639.3 6532.5 6673.8
T.T
I 4569.7 4690.3 4874.9 5272.2 4993.8 4966.7 5015.3 5074.3 5440.6
II 3934.9 3993.8 4103.6 4560.7 4366.7 4323.6 4382.1 4311.2 4808.7
III 398.5 191.4 192.5 260.7 225.1 207.0 769.7 431.3 484.4
IV 97.8 51.9 57.9 70.8 60.1 58.0 137.9 119.3 140.3
V 56.8 27.5 30.7 37.0 27.6 26.3 77.8 60.6 102.1
MEASLES
I 5516.8 5606.5 5455.4 6216.6 6284.2 5504.6 6578.3 6420.5 6902.6
II 4684.7 4710.9 4734.0 5492.7 5617.2 5492.6 5856.1 5993.4 6520.4
PNEUMOCOCCAL (PCV10)
I 5884.3 5994.4 5528.7 6724.8 6590.8 6576.3 7075.2 6953.7 7170.4
II 5505.8 5605.1 6135.8 6356.5 6225.8 6145.0 6646.9 6545.2 6680.8
III 5374.9 5470.6 5673.4 6228.7 6127.0 6083.2 6643.1 6514.2 6672.3
Source: National Institute of Health (NIH)
B.C.G. Bacilus+Calamus+Guerin D.P.T Diphteira+Perussia+Tetanus Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
T.T Tetanus Toxoid
PENTAVALENT = DPT+HBV+Diphtheria + pertosis + HIB (Heamoinflunza -Type B)
PNEUMOCOCCAL (pcv10) :- Vaccine of pneumonia I,II,III,IV,V stands for 1 st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th doses.

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TABLE 11.4

DOCTOR CONSULTING FEE IN VARIOUS CITIES

In Rupees
Faisal- Gujran- Hyder- Islam- Karachi Lahore Pesha- Quetta Rawal- Sukkur Pakistan
Period*
abad wala abad abad war pindi
Base Year : 2007-08 = 100
2010-11 80.00 75.00 68.75 100.00 93.85 70.00 166.67 180.00 85.00 100.00 101.93
2011-12 90.00 75.00 80.00 200.00 100.00 70.36 191.61 200.00 110.00 100.00 121.70
2012-13 90.00 75.00 100.00 146.25 100.00 100.00 225.00 200.00 135.00 100.00 127.13
2013-14 90.00 75.00 100.00 175.00 100.00 100.00 220.83 200.00 166.67 100.00 132.75
2014-15 125.00 75.00 100.00 175.00 100.00 100.00 266.67 200.00 166.67 100.00 140.83
2015-16 125.00 75.00 100.00 175.00 100.00 100.00 266.67 200.00 166.67 100.00 140.83
2016-17 135.42 77.08 100.00 220.83 141.28 100.00 266.67 200.00 212.50 100.00 155.38
2017-18 250.00 100.00 100.00 225.00 173.39 118.75 266.67 200.00 216.67 135.42 178.59
2018-19 250.00 100.00 100.00 225.00 197.43 125.00 266.67 200.00 216.67 150.00 228.16
Base Year : 2015-16 = 100
2019-20 264.47 100.00 100.00 334.56 210.18 160.14 462.83 212.09 305.87 185.38 254.29
2020-21 300.00 183.33 109.63 389.13 226.41 195.33 589.43 216.94 354.74 200.00 289.61
2021-22 320.33 200.00 144.53 510.91 240.71 209.00 641.72 276.13 472.23 245.85 337.04
2022-23 350.23 275.00 208.04 642.83 324.85 238.08 780.80 297.20 557.36 293.68 405.20
2023-24 474.79 300.00 229.62 694.23 348.79 349.56 992.34 297.20 595.78 300.00 474.17
2024-25 Jul-Mar 566.19 300.00 260.17 807.68 389.59 438.07 1216.74 342.00 690.88 300.00 521.62
*: Fiscal Year Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
Note: In the new base year 2015-16, prices are disseminated w.e.f July, 2019

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