- Improved healthcare infrastructure and expanded programs strengthen service delivery and support economic growth nationwide
International experts recorded that the global health sector is a critical and transformative industry that includes both public and private entities offering health services, but it is also a major engine for job creation. Major trends like technological advancements and shifting patient needs are driving its evolution, while investments in the sector create direct and indirect career opportunities in areas like pharmaceuticals and digital health. Ensuring adequate funding is crucial for strengthening health systems, enhancing service delivery, and creating career opportunities to support economic growth and resilience worldwide.
In the developing countries like Pakistan, the government of Pakistan has made notable progress in the health sector during FY2025, with notable gains in life expectancy, immunization coverage, and disease control efforts.
According to the Economic Survey FY2025, Pakistan’s health indicators explained consistent improvement, reflecting strengthened healthcare infrastructure, expanded national programs, and a stronger commitment to universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3. Our country has seen improvements in healthcare infrastructure, expansion of immunization programs, and increased focus on preventive medicine.
Statistics showed that the Life expectancy at birth rose to 67.6 years in 2023 from 65.6 years in 2015, showing a steady improvement in public health outcomes. Immunization coverage has significantly increased, with Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) vaccination rising from 72 percent of children in 2015 to 86 percent of children aged 12–23 months in 2023. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) continues to provide free vaccines against 12 preventable diseases and now reaches approximately 6.8 million children and a similar number of pregnant women yearly.
The Government of Pakistan plans to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in phases between 2025 and 2027. During 2024–25, various major health initiatives were introduced to strengthen disease prevention and control. The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2024–28), developed in line with the findings of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE 2023), aims to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies. This plan reflects Pakistan’s commitment to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). In the survey it is also recorded that the Prime Minister’s National Program for the Elimination of Hepatitis C (2024–27) targets 50 percent of the eligible population aged 12 and above for screening, testing, and treatment. The program offers free access to WHO-approved diagnostic kits and antiviral medicines.
In addition, the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes has been introduced to raise awareness and provide screening and treatment services by primary healthcare centers, aiming to reach over 70 percent of the target population. Statistics in the survey also showed that the number of districts supported through the Global Fund for malaria increased from 60 to 80, with 1,000 more health facilities added, bringing the total to over 5,500 service delivery centers across three provinces. Furthermore, tuberculosis services were expanded, with free diagnostic and treatment care provided to 252,80 patients by a network of 1,929 health facilities and 12,512 GP clinics. HIV/AIDS services were enhanced through 51 prevention sites and strengthened Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers, which now offer free testing and treatment services. Nutrition remains a core component of the government’s human development agenda due to its critical role in health, education, and economic growth.