Although the millennium development goals reports show some progress in the attainment of women and children’s health, there is much remaining to be done in this area. This is a major concern, for Pakistan ranks sixth in the world as the most populous population, with a very high morbidity and mortality rate for children and mothers (Yin, 2007). The lack of health infrastructure lies at the core of the problem, and there have been very few attempts by the governments to create new facilities in new locations. The already present hospitals are overcrowded with the number of patients needing attention, leading to poor or inadequate quality of care. The lack of education among the medical staff about the needs and requirements of women and children at this critical step remain unknown (Yin, 2007).
The estimated annual death rate of women and children in Pakistan are 16,500 and 400,00 respectively. Sadly, most of these deaths are caused by conditions and health problems that are easily manageable (Siddiqui et al, 2004). The lack of government response to this high number of deaths has been translated in to apathy in policy making and creating programs for the health of the public. There is a complete lack of proper records and documentation, which prevent the government from creating meaningful and sustainable developments. The improper structural organization of the health sector leaves many health issues unaddressed. Since most of the policies fail to work, the mother and infant mortality rates continue to rise (Siddiqui et al, 2004).
Many social, environmental and policy matters account for the high numbers of deaths among women and children. The lack of education among the masses prevents them from being educated or informed about pregnancy issues and maternal and child health issues. Since allopathic and hakeem culture is widely prevalent among Pakistani societies, the patients prefer to hear ungodlyclaims of miracles regarding health and wellness of mother and child, rather than listen to the correct and unbiased judgement made by the doctor.
Secondly, women are not allowed to take up decisions regarding their health, social status and position, their reproductive health etc. This makes them entirely incapable of taking decisions for themselves. With lack of education or skills, the mothers are left to deal with the issue of pregnancy based on half wit enunciations of older women, or by enduring relentlessly.
Women in Pakistan also run a high risk of developing and contracting contagious diseases and irreversible sexual diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. This also complicates the pregnancies which result in higher rates of morbidities and mortalities.
Women in Pakistan at the start of the new millennium still live in a time where they have no access to health care. They are not allowed to be examined by male doctors. They are not allowed to take any decisions regarding their reproductive health or the health of the child. These and other such problems are the leading cause of death among women and children at childbirth.
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