As a fundamental human right, access to healthcare is something Pakistan is working to close. The Sustainable Development Goals have established a standard for health and well-being, and while Pakistan has made significant progress, there are still many obstacles to overcome.
The GDP’s meager 1% allotment to healthcare is one of the main barriers. However, there is hope in the form of technology that is just around the corner.
Problems with Pakistan’s healthcare system:
Both communicable and non-communicable diseases are prevalent in Pakistan. The difficulties are enormous because millions of people are affected by diseases like hepatitis B and C, TB, and malaria.
Additionally, non-communicable illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions have a big impact. The nation’s healthcare system must find creative answers to this complex problem.
The Impact of Health Technology:
Globally, technology promotes access to healthcare. Developed nations with high rates of universal health coverage (UHC) have shown that innovation, particularly in the area of technology, can have a considerable impact on health care.
It should come as naturally that healthcare innovation is on the upswing, with Switzerland and Germany setting the bar high.
The expansion of healthcare in Pakistan:
Pakistan may not be at the same level as these global giants, but it is nevertheless improving. Organizations in the private sector are driving the charge with important projects. Consider SLOSH AI, which has utilized AI for radiological examinations to meet the nation’s radiologists-needed shortfall.
With the help of telemedicine, Sahat Kahani and Dawaai.pk have electronically linked patients and physicians. Pharmacy distribution is being streamlined by MedzNMore, which eases the strain on retailers’ working capital.
Ways to Improve Healthcare Access Through Technology:
However, more still has to be done. We must integrate governmental and private initiatives if we are to achieve true access to healthcare. Health care facilities’ inability to share data and refer patients to each other drives up prices and patient out-of-pocket expenses.
Primary care must come first in a public-private partnership paradigm, followed by specialized and advanced treatment. The state can play a regulatory and insurance role while tiny clinics provide primary healthcare for the underserved populace.
AI can significantly enhance health insurance plans through data-driven risk assessment and cost control.
In the end, Pakistan’s healthcare system is a challenging jigsaw that can be solved thanks to technology, which is the missing piece. We are seeing a change in access to healthcare as health IT entrepreneurs shake up the market.
Although there is potential, it has to be realized through investments, supportive policies, and effective public-private partnerships. Although there is a long way to go before all of Pakistan’s residents have access to egalitarian healthcare. Pakistan is on the right route with innovation, tenacity, and cooperation.
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