ABSTRACT:
Pakistan’s healthcare system faces critical challenges stemming from rapid population growth (229 million), widespread malnutrition, limited healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate public financing. The devolution of health services through the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2011 transferred healthcare responsibility from the federal to provincial governments, creating opportunities for context-specific health strategies. This study reviews key policy reforms, including the National Health Vision 2025 and innovative provincial initiatives such as the Maryam Nawaz Health Card 2025 in Punjab, which promotes universal, cashless access to essential medical services through public-private partnerships. Data from governmental reports and WHO policy analyses were synthesized to assess progress, budget allocation trends, and digital transformation efforts. Despite progress—such as increased provincial spending and expanded preventive programs—Pakistan continues to spend only 1% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the WHO’s 5% benchmark. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustained investment, intersectoral collaboration, and citizen engagement to achieve equitable healthcare access and strengthen system resilience. Adapting best practices from Thailand, Rwanda, and Bangladesh may accelerate progress toward universal coverage. This research contributes a policy-oriented framework for achieving Health for All in Pakistan through prevention, innovation, and inclusivity.