SYSTEM GAPS AND INEQUALITIES IN THE HEALTH SECTOR IN PAKI S TA N

Abstract

Governance in healthcare systems is concern of the most developing
countries because of increasing demand for quality service delivery and
results. The functions of the whole system are dependent on governance.
In Pakistan, lack of planning, poor management, feeble institutional
structures, delaying and complex processes and lack of coordination
among relevant stakeholders are the immediate barriers that make the
health sector nonresponsive to reduce inequalities and ensure good
service delivery. Gender disparities in Health sector and gender based
violence in all fields are most common in Pakistan, governance issues,
social and
cultural constraints are the barriers for access to proper health services
and gender equity. To ensure maximum coverage and effective service
delivery, ensure health equity, no gender based violence and no disparities
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in health services in Pakistan, public health policies in line with Human
Rights and community demand and ground realities need to be reformed.
This research was intended to identify the gaps and inequalities in the
health sector in Pakistan. Qualitative research approach was adopted for
the study. The data was collected from capital cities of the provinces of
Pakistan through Key Informants Interviews and Focused Group
Discussions. The research revealed that gaps in the planning process,
gender disparities in health care, poor implementation and management
of the health programs, absence of Monitoring and Evaluation, lack of
coordination among relevant stakeholders, institutional and staff
capacities issues are the major issues and gaps in health sector of
Pakistan.