03 March 2025
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) released its comprehensive “Health of the Nation” Report 2025, on 26 February held at PMA house in Karachi revealed an alarming picture of the country’s healthcare system. The report exposes a multitude of interconnected challenges, from alarming maternal and child mortality rates to the pervasive threat of preventable diseases, highlighting the urgent need for transformative reforms. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) rankings of December 2024, Pakistan is placed at 125th out of 170 countries surveyed.
Pakistan stands at a critical stage in its public health and population crisis. With an estimated population of over 253 million, growing at an alarming rate of 2.4% per annum, our country is on track to reach 403 million by 2050. This rapid population expansion poses severe challenges in food security, healthcare, education, and housing. Unfortunately, our policymakers continue to overlook the dire consequences of unchecked population growth, failing to develop future-oriented strategies to mitigate its impact.
Polio remains a persistent challenge in Pakistan, making it one of the last two polio-endemic countries in the world alongside Afghanistan. Our Polio Program badly deteriorated as the number of Polio cases increased to 74 in 2024 as compared to 06 cases in 2023. This resurgence demands immediate and aggressive action to prevent further outbreaks and ensure the eradication of polio from our nation.
Hepatitis B and C remain rampant, affecting over 15 million individuals, with approximately 150,000 new cases emerging annually. According to the latest AKU research report, Pakistan has the second highest Hepatitis C burden in the world.
Pakistan has a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB) ranking 5th in the world for TB prevalence. The prevalence of TB in Pakistan is 348, incidence 276 and 34 mortality per 100,000. Pakistan is also estimated to have the fourth highest prevalence of Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) globally.
Maternal and newborn child nutrition remains a major health concern in Pakistan, affecting maternal health, infant survival, and development. Around 14% of pregnant women are undernourished, and 42% suffer from anemia, increasing risks of complications and low birth weight. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and protein further harm maternal health. For newborns, 18% have low birth weight, leading to growth problems. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low (48%) and early introduction of complementary foods contributes to high child malnutrition rates (over 40%). Stunting affects 40% of children under five, showing the long-term impact of poor maternal nutrition.
Mental health disorders account for over 4% of the total disease burden in Pakistan, with women being more affected. Around 24 million people need psychiatric assistance, and depression affects 44% of the population (57.5% in women and 25% in men). Pakistan ranks seventh globally in depressive disorders, but mental health resources are severely lacking, with only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people.
Access to clean drinking water is another pressing concern. Contaminated water accounts for 40% of annual deaths in Pakistan, surpassing the fatalities from terrorism and natural disasters. Poor water quality is responsible for nearly 30% of all diseases nationwide. Immediate investment in water purification and sanitation infrastructure is imperative to prevent avoidable illnesses and deaths.
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Cancer continues to be a major public health concern, with approximately 185,748 new cases annually, leading to 118,631 deaths each year. The most prevalent cancers include breast cancer among women and oral cancers among men. Urgent initiatives for early detection, improved treatment accessibility, and nationwide awareness campaigns are required to reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) also pose a grave health risk, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 918.18 per 100,000 individuals—significantly higher than the global average. With an age-standardized death rate of 357.88 per 100,000, CVD is one of the leading causes of mortality in Pakistan. Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and affordable treatment options must be prioritized to combat this growing epidemic.
Pakistan also faces a significant HIV/AIDS challenge. The National Aids Control Program (NACP) reports 72,515 registered HIV cases, while UNAIDS estimates a total of 297,052 individuals living with HIV. Despite these alarming figures, only 46,991 patients are currently receiving treatment in government facilities.
Air pollution has emerged as a severe public health crisis. Pakistan is ranked as the second most polluted country globally, with air quality exceeding WHO guidelines. This pollution reduces average life expectancy by 3.8 years and leads to over 128,000 pollution-related deaths annually. It is notably increasing rates of COPD and asthma among vulnerable groups.
Regrettably, over the past five years, successive governments have approved 15 rounds of price increases, making medicine less accessible to the common man. Recent media reports reveal that the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Association (PPMA) is once again urging an increase in the prices of 262 essential medicines, citing unsustainable costs. For the common citizen, the implications are dire. Medicine prices have escalated beyond the reach of the poor and are increasingly burdening the middle class. In a country where public hospitals already lack adequate healthcare facilities, the surge in medicine prices has forced many to die without any treatment.
For years, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has urged policymakers to focus on preventive healthcare rather than curative measures. Yet, little has been done. Providing clean water could prevent 60% of waterborne diseases, and eliminating mosquitoes could reduce vector-borne diseases by 40%.
The 2024 Global Health Expenditure Report by WHO reveals that government spending on health has declined, leaving millions without access to essential services. In 2024, an estimated 11 million Pakistanis were pushed into poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) must be prioritized to ensure financial protection for all citizens and guarantee access to necessary medical treatments.
The Pakistan Medical Association urges the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these pressing public health challenges. Failure to act now will lead to devastating consequences for the future of our nation. The PMA remains committed to advocating for stronger healthcare policies, improved access to medical resources, and a healthier Pakistan for all.
Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro ,Secretary General PMA Centre,Dr. Shahid Sami ,Chairman E.B. JPMA ,Dr. Ameer Muhammad Solangi ,Editor The Medical Gazette addressed the Press Conference.
