Healthcare access

The current healthcare infrastructure in Karachi is inadequate to meet the needs of its growing population. Public hospitals and clinics are often overcrowded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and substandard care. Many people in Karachi cannot afford private healthcare services, further exacerbating the issue of access. The distribution of healthcare facilities across the city is uneven, with certain areas having better access to medical services than others. This disparity in access disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including low-income neighbourhoods and rural areas surrounding the city.

To address these challenges, urgent action is needed. There must be increased investment in the healthcare sector to improve infrastructure, hire more healthcare professionals, and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies and equipment. Efforts should be made to enhance the quality of care provided at public healthcare facilities to make them more accessible and reliable for all residents. Initiatives should be launched to expand healthcare coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, particularly for essential services. This could include the introduction of subsidized healthcare programmes or insurance schemes for low-income families.

Syed Asif Ali Rizvi

Karachi