Healthcare Access: "Sehatmand Awaam, Khushaal Pakistan."

1. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Preventive Care

Primary Health Care is the cornerstone of a healthy society. In Pakistan, tertiary hospital-based care serves only a small segment of the population, while rural and low-income communities lack access to basic medical facilities. Awaam Pakistan will strengthen PHC networks across all districts, ensuring that every citizen can access essential healthcare within 5 km of their home. Nationwide immunization programs, disease surveillance systems, and preventive awareness campaigns will be prioritized to tackle outbreaks and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

2. Strengthening Health Governance and Infrastructure

With only 2.6% of GDP spent on health, reform is vital for efficiency and accountability. Awaam Pakistan will establish a National Health Information System (NHIS) to digitize records, streamline referrals, and improve disease tracking. AI and telemedicine will expand quality care to rural areas, home to 63% of Pakistanis. Basic Health Units (BHUs) and District Headquarter Hospitals (DHQs) will be upgraded with clean water, power, and equipment, while performance-based recruitment and expanded training will address staff shortages. Transparent budgeting and public reporting will ensure every rupee strengthens healthcare delivery.

3. Equity and Targeted Support for Vulnerable Populations

Over 70% of Pakistanis rely on public hospitals or cannot afford private healthcare. Awaam Pakistan will reform the Sehat Sahulat Program, which currently supports 43 million families, by increasing its coverage and improving service quality. The program will include essential diagnostics, free surgeries, and mobile ambulatory services for remote populations. Priority will be given to the poorest and most vulnerable, with gradual nationwide expansion as fiscal capacity strengthens, ensuring equitable and affordable healthcare for all.

4. Women's and Family Health Empowerment

Pakistan has a maternal mortality rate of 186 per 100,000 live births, among the highest in South Asia, and contributes 10% to global unsafe abortions. Through its Khushaal Families strategy, Awaam Pakistan will place women's health and reproductive autonomy at the heart of family well-being. This includes expanded access to family planning, HPV vaccinations, cervical screenings, and reproductive health education across all provinces. Skilled birth attendants and maternal care centers will be strengthened to ensure safe pregnancies, healthy mothers, and empowered families across Pakistan.

5. Mental and Preventive Health Prioritization

An estimated 24 million Pakistanis suffer from depression or anxiety, yet less than 1% of the health budget addresses mental well-being. Awaam Pakistan will expand community-based mental health services, introduce school counseling programs, and launch national awareness campaigns to combat stigma. At the same time, preventive health efforts will target non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by regulating ultra-processed foods, taxing tobacco and sugary drinks, and reinvesting the revenue into preventive and mental health programs.

6. Public-Private and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Awaam Pakistan recognizes that no single institution can solve the nation's public health challenges alone. We will build strong partnerships with private, non-profit, and international organizations to expand healthcare access and quality. Our approach integrates health with education, sanitation, clean water, environmental protection, and disaster response to promote holistic community well-being. Working closely with local governments and NGOs, we aim to ensure that healthcare reaches even the most remote and underserved populations.