‘Significant challenges persist in primary healthcare and universal health coverage’

The Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) status in rural Pakistan is a complex issue with significant implications for the health and well-being of its population.

There has been progress in expanding PHC services in rural Pakistan, with an increase in the number of basic health units (BHUs) and rural health centres (RHCs). Additionally, efforts have been made to improve the availability of essential medicines and healthcare workers in these facilities.

The Healthcare Division of Badar Expo Solutions arranged a roundtable discussion on the status of PHC and UHC in rural Pakistan at Karachi Gymkhana on Saturday.

Advisor strategy and planning at Badar Expo Solutions Dr Abid Abbas Sheikh moderated this hybrid session. Participants were from all the major cities of Pakistan. Representation was from the Patient Aid Foundation, Child Life Foundation, Sindh Healthcare Commission, National Institute of Child Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Public Healthcare of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Despite efforts, significant challenges persist in PHC and UHC. Sheikh said these include a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, and limited access to essential medicines and supplies. Moreover, the quality of care provided at PHC facilities often falls short of desired standards.

There has been progress in expanding PHC services in rural Pakistan, with an increase in the number of BHUs and RHCs. Additionally, efforts have been made to improve the availability of essential medicines and healthcare workers in these facilities.

He said that achieving UHC in rural Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying challenges and builds upon existing strengths. This includes investing in PHC infrastructure, strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving access to essential medicines and supplies, and promoting community engagement and ownership of healthcare services.

He said that by prioritizing PHC and implementing evidence-based strategies, Pakistan could make significant progress towards UHC, improving the health and well-being of its rural population. The private sector has been supporting this cause, but much more must be done. Key considerations are infrastructure and accessibility, human resources, financing, equity, and inclusion.

Healthcare professionals from Karachi, Larkana, Sargodha, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta were present. The PHC was discussed in the context of mother and child health, geriatrics, Dental hygiene, and mental health, especially in rural Pakistan. The current status of quantitative and qualitative PHC, the gaps, and the possible solutions were highlighted.

The participants appreciated the initiative of the Healthcare Division of Badar Expo Solutions. Tanveer Abdullah, the Chief Operating Officer, thanked the honorable participants and gave away the Mementos to the guests. He also explained the division’s vision and plans and its intent to work on preventive healthcare.