No, based on its healthcare access and quality ranking, Pakistan is not considered a healthy country relative to many other nations.
While it's simplistic to label a country as "healthy" or "unhealthy," we can assess Pakistan's health status through metrics like the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index. This index helps determine the quality and availability of healthcare within a country.
Pakistan's Healthcare Access and Quality
According to a Lancet study, Pakistan ranked 124th out of 195 countries in terms of its HAQ index. This ranking indicates that Pakistan has significant room for improvement in providing adequate healthcare to its population.
Although Pakistan's HAQ index has improved since 1990, increasing from 26.8 to 37.6 in 2016, it still lags behind many other countries.
Key Findings:
- Low Ranking: Pakistan's 124th position out of 195 countries in the HAQ index signifies a low level of healthcare access and quality compared to global standards.
- Improvement Over Time: There has been a positive trend since 1990 in Pakistan's healthcare, with the HAQ index increasing. Despite this, the progress needs to continue to reach an acceptable standard.
Understanding the HAQ Index:
The HAQ index isn't just about whether people can get to a clinic; it also encompasses the quality of the care they receive. It considers:
- Availability of healthcare services.
- Quality of medical staff and facilities.
- Accessibility of medications.
Conclusion
Based on its ranking in the Healthcare Access and Quality Index, Pakistan, while showing improvement, cannot be considered a "healthy country" at present. The ranking highlights that Pakistan needs further enhancements in its healthcare system to provide better access and quality care for its citizens.
