To achieve universal health coverage by 2030, Pakistan must prioritise cost-effective primary healthcare investments, emphasising evidence-based decisions and political commitment for successful implementation.
ThinkWell article titled “Getting the basics right: Why Pakistan should focus on primary health care” argues that Pakistan’s policymakers need to make evidence-based investment decisions to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, a commitment aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors emphasise the importance of prioritising cost-effective health interventions, particularly in the context of limited fiscal resources, to maximise the impact on the healthcare system.
The article highlights the need for a systematic approach to health investment prioritisation, especially in light of recent controversies such as the procurement of expensive robotic surgical systems in Sindh province. Khan and Engels advocate for focusing on essential health services, as defined by the 3rd edition of Disease Control Priorities (DCP3), which identifies 218 essential health services, 70% of which are provided at the primary facility level. They commend Pakistan’s development of a national Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) in 2020, customised by provinces to address local health needs. The authors argue that investing in primary health care offers the best value for money and can significantly improve health outcomes, urging policymakers to sustain political and administrative commitment to ensure successful implementation of the EPHS and progress towards UHC.
