Key Indicators:
Physicians density per 1,000 population, Use of basic sanitation % of the total population, Use of basic drinking water % of the population, Hospital beds density per 10,000 population, Communicable disease incidence per 100,000 population
Note: This pillar measures healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and health security.
Overall, Pakistan needs improvement in the health and hygiene situation in the country as the T&T Development Index (2024) ranks the country at 100 out of 119 economies with a score of 3.49 (1-7 best).[70]
The ranking for the number of physicians per 1,000 people is 85 and its score is 2.30 according to the TTDI 2024. Pakistan Economic Survey (2023-24) shows that in 2023, Pakistan had one physician for 827 people and one hospital bed for 1632 people.[71]
On a brighter note, access to basic sanitation saw a significant improvement. Pakistan’s ranking has improved to 100, with a score of 5.04. The percentage of the population using basic sanitation facilities increased to 70.53. Similarly, access to basic drinking water also improved, with the population coverage reaching 90.63%. Despite a rank change from 94 (2019) to 95, the score rose from 5.44 (2019) to 5.88.
The data on hospital bed density and communicable disease incidence remained stagnant. Pakistan’s rank stayed at 112 for hospital beds per 10,000 people (with a score of 1.53) and 100 for communicable disease incidence (with a score of 4.70). The unmoving scores (2.30 and 32,578.80 respectively) suggest no change in these areas.
The newly–rehabilitated WASH facilities by UNDP and USAID have improved commercial hubs in Khyber, North Waziristan,
and South Waziristan districts under the FATA Economic Revitalization Programme (FERP), offering clean drinking water to 136,120 people (including 55,428 women) and basic sanitation to 26,580 people (6,800 women). These enhancements have stimulated business activities and contributed to the area’s economic growth.[72] Even though Pakistan has made great strides in expanding access to sanitary facilities, 25 million people still defecate outside.[73]
While there are positive developments in the number of physicians and access to basic sanitation and drinking water, continued efforts are needed to increase the number of doctors (due to the increase in population), hospital beds, and reduce the incidence of communicable diseases.