Muhammad Imran Abbasi
The healthcare systems of India and Pakistan have evolved in different directions since their independence in 1947. Both countries have made significant advancements in medical treatment, yet they continue to face critical challenges in providing quality healthcare to their populations. The comparison of medical treatment in India and Pakistan involves evaluating healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, affordability, medical expertise, and technological advancements.
India has a more developed and diverse healthcare system compared to Pakistan. The country has invested heavily in both public and private healthcare, making it a hub for medical tourism.
India boasts world-class hospitals, advanced medical research facilities, and skilled healthcare professionals. Institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Apollo Hospitals, and Fortis Healthcare have set international standards in medical treatment.
India’s pharmaceutical industry is also one of the largest in the world, allowing for affordable and readily available medicines. Pakistan, on the other hand, struggles with an underfunded healthcare system. Public hospitals often face shortages of essential medicines, medical equipment, and trained professionals.
The private sector provides better medical facilities, but treatment costs are significantly high, making quality healthcare inaccessible to a large segment of the population. The government has launched initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Program to provide free healthcare to underprivileged citizens, but these efforts remain insufficient given the growing population and healthcare demands.
Accessibility to medical treatment in India is relatively better due to a more extensive network of hospitals and clinics. Telemedicine and digital healthcare services have gained popularity, bridging the gap between rural and urban healthcare. In contrast, Pakistan faces severe healthcare accessibility issues, particularly in rural areas, where medical facilities are scarce, and patients often have to travel long distances for treatment.
The doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, further exacerbating the problem. Affordability is another crucial aspect of comparison. While India’s healthcare system is not without its financial challenges, government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat provide financial assistance to economically weaker sections, ensuring access to quality treatment. Private hospitals in India offer a range of pricing options, and medical insurance is more prevalent.
In Pakistan, medical expenses remain a burden for many families. The absence of a comprehensive national healthcare insurance system forces people to rely on out-of-pocket expenses, making treatment for chronic diseases and major surgeries unaffordable for many. In terms of medical expertise, India has an edge due to its well-established medical education system and research institutions. Indian doctors and medical researchers have gained global recognition, and many specialists are sought after internationally.
Pakistan also has highly skilled doctors, many of whom pursue higher education and work abroad. However, the country faces a significant brain drain, as many medical professionals leave for better opportunities in Western countries and the Middle East, creating a shortage of specialists at home.
Technological advancements in medical treatment are more pronounced in India. The country has adopted state-of-the-art medical technologies, including robotic surgeries, advanced cancer treatments, and organ transplants. India has become a destination for international patients seeking high-quality yet affordable treatment.
Pakistan is gradually adopting modern medical technologies, but progress is slow due to financial constraints and lack of infrastructure. Many patients travel abroad for specialized treatments that are not available domestically. The pharmaceutical industry also plays a vital role in determining the quality of medical treatment. India is a major producer and exporter of generic medicines, reducing the cost of treatment for many diseases. The country has a well-regulated drug manufacturing sector, ensuring the availability of quality medicines.
Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, though growing, still faces challenges related to regulatory oversight, counterfeit drugs, and dependency on imported raw materials, which increases the cost of medicines. Public health policies in both countries have attempted to address healthcare challenges, but India has been more successful in implementing large-scale initiatives. The Indian government has focused on preventive healthcare, vaccination drives, and disease eradication programs, leading to better overall health indicators.
Pakistan, however, struggles with issues like polio eradication, malnutrition, and high maternal and infant mortality rates. Political instability and insufficient healthcare funding have hampered the progress of public health programs. Despite the differences, both countries face common challenges such as the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the impact of climate change on public health, and the need for better mental health services.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in both healthcare systems, highlighting the need for increased investment in medical infrastructure and pandemic preparedness. Collaboration between India and Pakistan in the medical field could be beneficial for both nations. Sharing medical research, allowing cross-border treatment for critical illnesses, and establishing joint healthcare initiatives could improve healthcare outcomes. However, political tensions often hinder such collaborations, limiting the potential benefits of shared medical advancements.
Overall, India’s healthcare system is more advanced and accessible compared to Pakistan’s, primarily due to better infrastructure, government initiatives, and investment in medical research. Pakistan continues to struggle with accessibility and affordability issues, though efforts are being made to improve the situation. Addressing these challenges requires increased government funding, better regulatory frameworks, and regional cooperation to ensure that quality medical treatment becomes a right rather than a privilege for all citizens.
