Challenges in access to and utilization of reproductive health care in Pakistan

Pakistan's maternal mortality rate is high, and adequate and timely emergency services could prevent most maternal deaths. A woman's right to life-saving services of skilled health care providers in childbirth is undeniable. This paper examines factors restricting women's access to emergency obstetric care services in Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey on emergency obstetric care services collected information at the health facility level using UN process indicators. The study enrolled 170 health facilities from nineteen randomly selected districts in Punjab and NWFP. Diverse factors limit women's access to Emergency Obstetric Care [EmOC] services. EmOC services were unavailable in most health facilities surveyed. Staff absenteeism, geographic remoteness, delayed access, and ambulance shortages jeopardize the transferral of seriously ill patients to higher level care facilities. Cultural norms dictate that women should be examined by women doctors, whose dearth makes these services inaccessible. Many maternal deaths would be avoidable if EmOC health services were accessible. The geographic obstacles to timely access, poor hospital infrastructure, and high staff absenteeism rates require immediate attention. Health facilities' working hours were inconsistent with the provision of around-the-clock essential services, depriving and endangering the lives of many in need. It is imperative to increase skilled female workers capable of managing EmOC problems through proper incentives. A focused approach at local levels through proper supervision, motivation, and management would unquestionably save women's lives

Women's Rights Equal Women's Lives: The Case of Pakistan / 国際保健医療

<b><big>Objectives</big></b><br>The Constitution of Pakistan offer guarantees regarding women s rights, but unfortunately some laws and also customs violate the above commitments seriously affecting the health of women and even endangering their lives. The purpose of the study is to describe various aspects of women s health in Pakistan vis- -vis human rights.<br><b><big>Methods</big></b><br>Review of available literature was undertaken. The scientific electronic database (such as PubMed, Science-Direct & Pakistani database) was searched for women health issues in Pakistan, covering a period from 1980s to present. Published government reports have also been included as sources of information for this paper.<br><b><big>Results</big></b><br>In Asia, Pakistan s, maternal mortality ratio is among the highest; more than half of the women are anemic. Access to health services is deprived whether be it economic, geographical or social. Majority of women are illiterate. Pakistan is among the countries with low gender indices and where female life span is less then men, and men outnumber women. Government spending on health and particularly women health is low compared to other countries.<br><b><big>Conclusion</big></b><br>Women s disproportionate poverty, low social status, gender imbalances, and inadequate maternal services at the community level play a significant role in contributing to maternal deaths. In view of the fact that given accessible, quality health services, many maternal deaths can be avoided, demonstrates maternal mortality is clearly an issue of human rights.<br>There is a strong need that health sector spending is increased, role of women health care providers in rural areas be expanded (such as LHW) and involvement of private and NGO sector to fill gaps in service delivery, be ensured. In order to meet the targets of MDGs, the gender dimensions of demographic and social change need to be stressed further in all policies and development plans, which may result in narrowing of gender disparities and improving women lives.