Islamabad:

Despite health care spending in Pakistan, which accounts for less than one percent of national GDP, the country has witnessed remarkable progress in the healthcare sector, including a two-year increase in average life expectancy, according to Economic Survey 2024-25, which was published on Monday.

The study reveals that average life expectancy in Pakistan has increased from 65 years and six months to 67 years and six months, indicating improvements in basic health indicators despite limited public investment.

During the current fiscal year, Pakistan allocated a total of RS925 billion to the health sector. However, the relationship between physician and patient remains alarmingly low, with only one physician available to every 750,000 people.

According to the report, the number of registered doctors in the country has crossed 319,000, reflecting an increase of over 20,000 within the past year.

The number of registered dentists has reached 39,088, while the country now has 138,000 nurses and 46,801 midwives. The number of Lady Health Workers has reached 29,000.

There are currently 1,696 hospitals and 5,434 Basic Health Units (Bhus) operating across the country.

However, health challenges continue as infant mortality remains a concern in which 50 out of every 1,000 infants died annually.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s expected life expectancy while improving, still behind the South Asian regional average, which is 71 years and six months, hangs, according to the economic study.