15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Pakistan

"Healthcare services in Pakistan are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Pakistan. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, with some areas having better access to medical facilities than others. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Pakistan can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to use private healthcare services, which are often of a higher quality than public healthcare," mentioned one expat in Pakistan.

"Pakistan has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. The public health system is largely funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical services to those in need. Private medical facilities are also available, offering a range of services at a higher cost. Pakistan also has a number of medical universities and research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality medical education," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Pakistan can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by any form of health insurance. The cost of medical care in Pakistan is often higher than in other countries, and the cost of health insurance can be prohibitive for many people. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in Pakistan is often lower than in other countries, making it difficult for people to access the care they need. As a result, many people in Pakistan are unable to access the healthcare they need, leading to poorer health outcomes," said one expat living in Pakistan.

"Having traveled fairly well and lived in the US for one years as a student at Harvard and later 2 years working there, I would not compare the Pakistan health facilities with the developed countries but Pakistan trained doctors are welcomed all over the developed economies in droves. The quality of Pakistan's health facilities is very reliable if you've money to spend. Private hospitals and facilities abound and provide real good quality of services which is very low priced in comparison to international prices for comparable services and procedures. The quality of public-funded universal coverage is bad due to lack of resources and management efficiency nonetheless," mentioned one expat in Pakistan.

"Emergency services in Pakistan are generally available in major cities and towns. In order to call for an ambulance, one can dial the emergency number 112 from any landline or mobile phone. The ambulance service is free of charge and is usually provided by the local government. The ambulance will be dispatched to the location of the caller and will provide medical assistance," said one expat living in Pakistan.

"Pakistan has a wide range of medical specialists available throughout the country. The major cities of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar are home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. Other cities such as Quetta, Multan, and Faisalabad also have a good selection of medical specialists. Additionally, the northern areas of Pakistan, such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, are known for their excellent medical facilities and highly qualified medical specialists," said one expat living in Pakistan.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Pakistan. Pharmacies in Pakistan are stocked with a wide variety of medications, including both generic and branded drugs. Many of the medications available in Pakistan are imported from other countries, such as India, China, and the United States. In addition, some medications are manufactured locally. The availability of medications in Pakistan is largely dependent on the availability of the active ingredients used to make them," mentioned one expat in Pakistan.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Pakistan vary greatly depending on the region. Generally, the quality of medical care in urban areas is higher than in rural areas. In the major cities, there are a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care. However, access to medical care in rural areas is often limited due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. In addition, the cost of medical care can be prohibitively expensive for many people, making it difficult to access the care they need. Despite these challenges, the Pakistani government is making efforts to improve access to medical care and to ensure that all citizens have access to quality medical care," wrote an expat living in Pakistan.

"Yes, foreigners living in Pakistan have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is adequate for basic medical needs. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is free or low-cost for most people. However, it is important to note that the public healthcare system is often overcrowded and understaffed, so it may not be the best option for more serious medical issues," wrote one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Pakistan. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented various measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, such as providing additional funding for hospitals and increasing the number of beds available. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Pakistan is still struggling to cope with the pandemic. Many people have reported difficulty in accessing medical care, with some having to wait for days or even weeks to receive treatment. Additionally, the cost of medical care has increased significantly, making it difficult for many people to afford the necessary treatments," remarked one expat in Pakistan.