The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has unveiled its “Health of the Nation Report 2025,” painting a concerning picture of the country’s healthcare landscape. The report underscores escalating drug prices, insufficient access to medical services, and a surge in preventable diseases, all contributing to a deteriorating public health scenario.
Escalating Drug Prices and Accessibility Issues
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro highlighted the financial strain on citizens due to frequent hikes in medication costs. Over the past five years, drug prices have risen at least 15 times, making essential medicines unaffordable for many. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) is currently advocating for further increases in the prices of 262 essential medicines, citing unsustainable production costs. This trend has led to a situation where individuals are unable to afford treatment for common ailments or minor surgical procedures, resulting in untreated illnesses and preventable deaths.
Preventable Diseases on the Rise
The report emphasizes the critical need for investment in preventive healthcare. Contaminated water is a significant contributor to health issues, accounting for 40% of annual deaths in Pakistan and nearly 30% of all diseases nationwide. Improving water quality and sanitation could substantially reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. Additionally, efforts to eliminate mosquitoes could decrease vector-borne diseases by 40%. The resurgence of poliovirus is also alarming, with 74 cases reported in 2024, indicating potential underreporting and necessitating immediate, aggressive action to prevent further outbreaks.
Population Growth and Healthcare Infrastructure
Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, currently estimated at over 253 million with a 2.4% annual growth rate, is projected to reach 403 million by 2050. This surge poses severe challenges to food security, healthcare, education, and housing. The healthcare system, already strained, faces additional pressure to accommodate the increasing demand for medical services. The PMA report calls for comprehensive reforms and increased government investment to enhance health infrastructure and ensure the availability of necessary medications and treatments.
Call to Action
The PMA urges policymakers to prioritize preventive healthcare measures, improve access to clean drinking water, and control population growth to mitigate the escalating health crisis. Without immediate and sustained interventions, Pakistan’s health sector may continue to decline, adversely affecting the well-being of its citizens.
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