Pakistan extends universal health coverage to 51 million more people, WHO report reveals

Pakistan expands universal health coverage as WHO report highlights decade-long progress

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has extended universal health coverage to 51 million additional people over the last decade, raising total coverage from 87 million in 2015 to 138 million in 2023, according to a new global report jointly released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank Group ahead of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025. The milestone marks one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements in public health access in recent years.

Progress celebrated on UHC Day

Launched under the international theme, “Unaffordable health costs? We are sick of it,” WHO praised the Government of Pakistan for its continued commitment to strengthening equitable access to health services. Since 2021, WHO has supported Pakistan in piloting a primary health care-oriented model across Islamabad Capital Territory, Charsadda and Kotli, benefiting more than one million people by improving access to essential health services.

Service coverage index shows steady improvement

The 2025 global monitoring report highlights a strong rise in Pakistan’s service coverage index, which improved from 40 in 2015 to 56 in 2023. While this progress is encouraging, the country still needs accelerated action to reach the global target of 80 by 2030.

Millions still pushed into poverty due to healthcare costs

Despite gains, the financial burden of healthcare remains a major challenge. In 2024:

• 14.8 million people faced catastrophic health expenditures
• 11.1 million people were pushed below the $2.15/day poverty line due to medical costs

These figures, from Pakistan’s Universal Health Coverage Monitoring Report, underscore the urgent need for stronger financial protection mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.

WHO reaffirms long-term commitment to Pakistan

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Luo Dapeng emphasized that universal access to health services must remain a national priority. He stated:

“Today, on Universal Health Coverage Day, the World Health Organization reaffirms its commitment to work with Pakistan and its people to expand access to health care for all, no matter where they live or who they are. Despite progress, for millions of people, access to health care remains unaffordable.”

Dr. Dapeng added that no family should be forced to choose between life-saving treatment for their children due to inability to pay. WHO has pledged ongoing support to help Pakistan strengthen primary healthcare, reduce financial hardships, and achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda.

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