WHO calls on all stakeholders to prioritize investment in health
Islamabad – Pakistan has expanded universal health coverage to an additional 51 million people over the last decade – from 87 million in 2015 to 138 million in 2023, according to a joint global report launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank Group ahead of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025.
On the occasion of UHC Day, under the international theme “Unaffordable health costs? We are sick of it”, WHO praised the Government of Pakistan for the progress made over the past decade in collaboration with WHO and partners. As part of this partnership, since 2021, WHO has supported Pakistan in piloting a primary health care-oriented model of care to advance the universal health coverage package in 3 districts (Islamabad Capital Territory, Charsadda and Kotli), benefiting more than 1 million people.
The 2025 global monitoring report launched by WHO and the World Bank indicates that Pakistan has increased its service coverage index from 40 in 2015 to 56 in 2023. However, intensified concerted efforts will be required to meet the global target of 80 by 2030.
Despite progress, in 2024, over 14.8 million people still faced catastrophic health expenditures and 11.1 million were pushed below the $2.15/day poverty line across the country due to out-of-pocket medical costs, according to the last estimates of Pakistan’s Universal Health Coverage Monitoring Report elaborated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and the British High Commission, Pakistan / Foreign, Common-Wealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“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,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng.
“No one should be forced to choose between providing life-saving treatment to their daughter or their son because they cannot pay the medical bill. Today, and every day, WHO will stand with Pakistan and its people to build a healthier future for all”.
WHO will stand with Pakistan to address remaining challenges and continue expanding access to basic health services – with a particular focus on the most vulnerable – as a priority to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
