PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 5 – Economic Planning and Development in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

5.4   Health Planning

5.4.1.   Describe Main Features of the Current Health Policy.

The National Health Vision 2016-2025 outlines Pakistan’s ambitious plan to improve the health and well-being of its citizens, with a particular focus on women and children. Through universal access to affordable, high-quality essential health services, the vision aims to create a resilient and responsive health system capable of achieving Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling global health responsibilities. Grounded in principles of equity, accessibility, and accountability, this vision encompasses various thematic pillars, including health financing, service delivery, human resources, governance, and cross-sectoral linkages. With robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place, Pakistan’s health policy strives to usher in a new era of enhanced health outcomes and greater equity for all its citizens.

1. Vision Statement: The National Health Vision 2016-2025 seeks to enhance the well-being of all Pakistanis, with a specific emphasis on the health of women and children. It underscores the importance of universal access to affordable, high-quality essential health services. These services are to be delivered through a resilient and responsive health system, poised to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and meet global health obligations.
2. Background: The decentralization of health to the provinces in 2011 presented both challenges and opportunities. While federal assistance can lead to more equitable health coverage, provincial priorities are paramount. The provincial health departments and the reinstated Ministry of National Health are instrumental in executing the vision.
3. Guiding Values: The health policy is anchored in values such as equity, quality, accessibility, and accountability.
4. Thematic Pillars: The vision is structured around various thematic pillars:
   • Health Financing: Increasing both federal and provincial allocations to health (target: 3% of GDP).
   • Health Service Delivery: Improving the coverage and effectiveness of primary health care services.
   • Human Resources for Health: Strengthening the health workforce.
   • Health Information System and Research: Enhancing data collection and research capabilities.
   • Governance: Augmenting governance and management practices.
   • Essential Medicines & Technology: Ensuring the availability of essential medicines and technology.
   • Cross-Sectoral Linkages: Coordinating health initiatives across different sectors.
   • Global Health Responsibilities: Fulfilling international health commitments.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are established to gauge progress toward realizing the vision’s objectives.

Pakistan’s health policy endeavors to establish a resilient health system that delivers accessible and quality services to all citizens, while aligning with global health objectives.