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Summary Pakistan's economic survey shows health spending fell to 0.8% of GDP while literacy rose to 63%, with improvements in hospitals, doctors, and education access challenges
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s latest national economic survey highlights contrasting trends in social development, showing reduced public spending on health alongside gradual improvements in education indicators and medical infrastructure.
According to the survey, health expenditure declined to 0.8% of GDP in the current fiscal year, compared with 0.9% in the previous year, indicating a continued downward trend in relative public investment in the sector.
Despite lower spending, the health system expanded in scale. The report states that 238 new hospitals were established, bringing the total number of hospitals to 1,934 nationwide.
Basic Health Units also increased by 312, reaching 5,746 facilities across the country.
Key health indicators showed mixed progress. Infant mortality remained at 47 deaths per 1,000 births, while life expectancy improved slightly, reaching 67.8 years.
The medical workforce also expanded. Registered doctors increased by 5.3% to 336,582, while dentists rose by 7.8% to 42,118. The number of nurses reached 138,391, with additional increases in midwives and Lady Health Workers, strengthening primary care outreach.
On the education front, the survey reported encouraging progress.
Literacy improved from 60.6% to 63%, reflecting a 2.4% increase in literate population over the year. Nine new universities were added, taking the total to 278 institutions nationwide.
However, the report also noted that 28% of children remain out of school, highlighting persistent access gaps.
