Pakistan’s health care system faces numerous challenges today. These include widespread viral diseases and societal norms that make access to healthcare unequal. The health and survival global index has placed Pakistan 153^rd when it comes to the health care for women. According to a recent healthcare and demographic survey 186 women die per 100,000 births in the country. Many women who pursue healthcare education are unable to work. According to a 2019 report 85,000 female doctors are not part of the healthcare force.

The healthcare workforce faces a number of challenges. Young doctors say they are overworked and underpaid. The Punjab Medical Teaching Institutions Act is touted to be meant to improve medical education and enhance effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of healthcare services. While it ostensibly aims at teaching hospitals working independently and solve their problems internally, it is seen as taking away job security and pensions from current workers. It is being opposed by the healthcare community on several counts, not least the argument that merit will take a hit.

The Covid-19 pandemic has considerably added to the problems. Hospital beds, equipment and health workers have faced numerous challenges since March 2020. While vaccines are being administered to adults currently, herd immunity can only be achieved if about three quarters of the population develop antibodies against the virus. The population is also under threat from other viral diseases such as hepatitis. Pakistan is currently one of countries with the highest rate of hepatitis infection in the world. We have 12 million cases of hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV).

Malnutrition is another crisis. Amongst developing countries, Pakistan has the highest number of malnourished children. According to the National Nutrition Survey up to 33 percent of all children in the country are underweight. The problem is more intense moving down the socio economic ladder. Viral diseases and health issues in the country urgently need to be countered by an efficient health care system.