2021 Rewind: Resuscitating Healthcare in Pakistan

2021 was a challenging year for the whole world, including Pakistan. However, the healthcare sector of Pakistan has witnessed some significant reforms. The Healthcare sector is the backbone of every sovereign state, and it must be ameliorated for the benefit of its residents. 

2021 health reforms

In the year 2021, Pakistan made great strides concerning health care reforms in the country. 

Budget was increased 

Firstly, there was an increase in the health budget for the country from Rs 169 billion in the previous government to Rs 399 billion, as stated by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar. One significant development was the health insurance program introduced in Pakistan by the government. The initial phase of the scheme took place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and then moved on to Punjab. One “Naya Pakistan Sehat Card” will be able to provide up to Rs 1 million per annum worth of free medical treatments per family. 

Insaf Medicine Card

Moreover, the “Insaf Medicine Card” was introduced to provide free medicines to registered patients in 36 districts of Punjab suffering from AIDS, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis (TB). Also, Typhoid vaccination was decided to be added to the immunization programs, which would make Pakistan the first country to do so.

Funds allocated to state-owned hospitals

Moreover, Rs 10 billion was allocated to government hospitals for the latest medical equipment. Rs 8 billion was spent on upgrading numerous hospitals across various cities like Attock, Jhang and Kasur etc. and new personnel were hired to overcome the staff shortages. Plus, 20 new biosafety level-3 labs were established to increase daily corona testing capacities. 

Establishment of health facilities

Furthermore, eight mother and child hospitals were established in Lahore and rural areas. Midwifery schools were upgraded to colleges as well. A “Master Training Program” was also introduced in Punjab. There were collaborations with the Population Welfare Department related to family planning initiatives too. The “School Health Nutrition Program” was set in motion to focus on nutritional deficiencies in children as well.

Medical Teaching Institutions Act

Additionally, the “Medical Teaching Institutions Act” was introduced, which allowed medical schools to be independent regarding their financials, administration and overall decision-making. Three public hospitals in Islamabad were converted into medical colleges. The “Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Act” was enacted to remove obstacles related to organ transplantations.

Conclusion

Conclusively, there were noteworthy developments throughout the year that will surely help improve the health care status in the country, especially for the underprivileged.