Pakistan spends less than 1% of GDP on health, reveals Economic Survey 2024-25

Pakistan’s health sector remains critically underfunded, with the Economic Survey 2024-25 revealing that the country spends less than 1% of its GDP on health, a figure that continues to lag behind global standards.

The total health budget for the current fiscal year stood at Rs 925 billion, according to the Economic Survey released by the Ministry of Finance. Despite some progress in the number of medical professionals, the system remains under immense strain.

One of the most concerning statistics: only one doctor is available for every 750,000 people, a ratio far below the WHO’s recommended standards. On a slightly positive note, the number of registered doctors in the country has risen to 319,000, reflecting an increase of over 20,000 doctors in just one year.

Other health workforce figures include 39,088 registered dentists, 138,000 nurses, 46,801 midwives, and 29,000 lady health workers across the country. The infrastructure currently comprises 1,696 hospitals and 5,434 primary health units, indicating limited access to proper medical facilities for many in rural and underserved areas.

The report also highlighted Pakistan’s infant mortality rate, which remains troubling, with 50 out of every 1,000 infants dying each year. However, there’s a silver lining: the average life expectancy has improved, now standing at 67 years and 6 months, up from 65 years previously.

While some indicators show progress, the overall picture remains grim. Experts say that unless Pakistan dramatically increases its health spending and addresses systemic inefficiencies, its growing population will continue to suffer from inadequate healthcare access.