Out of Pocket Expenditure and its Impact in Pakistan

Abstract

Health care in Pakistan is divided into two major portions: public and private. Though government owned, public sector on multiple occasions fails to provide adequate health services to Pakistani citizens; whereas private sector, since well equipped and maintained, provide expensive health care in Pakistan. With numerous citizens availing the private health care organizations, the financial implications of these costs on families is immense as much of the payment is through Out of pocket. Out of pocket expenditure has outlasting financial and monetary effects on individuals and families. It not only leads to economic loss but also affects the productivity of a country. This review narrates the catastrophic and impoverishment impacts of Out of Pocket expenditure on Pakistan and its citizens.