Total Health Budget of Pakistan 2023-24: The healthcare sector in Pakistan has long been plagued by abysmal health indicators, leaving the nation in dire need of increased spending to improve its healthcare infrastructure.
However, the recently proposed health budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 has come under scrutiny for its failure to make a significant increase in allocations, prompting criticism from leading medical organizations. In this article, we will delve into the details of Pakistan’s health budget for the upcoming year, highlighting the allocated funds and their distribution across various healthcare domains.
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Allocation Overview of Health Budget of Pakistan 2023-24
The federal government has proposed a health budget of Rs24.21 billion for the financial year 2023-24. This figure represents a marginal increase from the previous year’s allocation of Rs22.49 billion, sparking concerns among experts who argue for greater investments in the healthcare sector.
The health sector is set to receive a substantial boost in the upcoming fiscal year, as a significant amount of Rs37 billion is allocated for its development.
Additionally, Rs13 billion has been allocated under the Public Sector Development Budget (PSDP) to uplift the sector through a range of ongoing and new schemes.
Allocation Breakdown
| Category | Allocation (in Rs) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Services | 16.59 billion | This allocation is designated for the maintenance and improvement of hospital services with the aim of enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare facilities across the country. |
| Public Health Services | 3.11 billion | Recognizing the importance of preventive healthcare measures, this allocation is intended to strengthen disease surveillance, immunization campaigns, and other essential public health initiatives. |
| Administrative Costs | 4.5 billion | This allocation covers the estimated administrative costs of the healthcare sector. It ensures the efficient management of healthcare institutions and programs by supporting essential administrative functions. |
| Medical Products, Appliances, and Equipment | 32 million | This meager allocation raises concerns about the sufficiency of resources to adequately equip healthcare facilities with medical products, appliances, and equipment. |
Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) Allocations
In addition to the health budget, the government has earmarked Rs13.1 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 40 ongoing and new schemes to uplift the healthcare sector. The breakdown of this allocation is as follows:
- Ongoing Schemes: Rs10.5 billion has been allocated for 31 ongoing schemes, focusing on initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure, research, and capacity-building.
- New Schemes: Rs2.59 billion will be spent on nine new schemes that aim to address emerging healthcare challenges and further improve the healthcare landscape in Pakistan.
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Key Ongoing Schemes
| Project | Allocation (in Rs) | Total Project Cost (in Rs) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200-Bed Accident and Emergency Center at PIMS | 1.2 billion | 4.8 billion | This allocation is intended for the establishment of a 200-bed Accident and Emergency Center at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The total project cost is estimated at 4.8 billion, highlighting the importance of upgrading emergency care facilities. |
| Jinnah Hospital in Sector G-11/3 | 2.2 billion | 9.9 billion | With an allocation of 2.2 billion, this initiative aims to establish Jinnah Hospital in Sector G-11/3. The total project cost is estimated at 9.9 billion, emphasizing the objective of expanding healthcare access and services in the region. |
| Prime Minister’s National Health Insurance Programme | 2.29 billion | – | This allocation of 2.29 billion is dedicated to enhancing the Prime Minister’s National Health Insurance Programme. The program’s goal is to provide financial protection and access to healthcare services for marginalized populations. |
| Cancer Hospital in the Federal Capital | 1 billion | – | Acknowledging the significance of specialized cancer care, this allocation of 1 billion aims to establish a cancer hospital in the federal capital. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the increasing burden of cancer in the country. |
Conclusion
While the proposed health budget for Pakistan’s fiscal year 2023-24 exhibits a marginal increase, it falls short of meeting the expectations set by global guidelines and the country’s pressing healthcare needs. Greater investments are required to uplift healthcare infrastructure, improve public health services, and ensure adequate availability of medical products and equipment. It is crucial for the government to prioritize healthcare spending to address the abysmal health indicators and enhance the well-being of the Pakistani population.