In a stark indictment of its healthcare woes, Pakistan saw nearly 4,000 doctors emigrate in 2025, per Bureau of Emigration figures—the zenith of a decade-long trend. This mass exit imperils a system already stretched thin.
Doctor production hums at 22,000 yearly, with 370,000 on rolls for 250 million residents. Yet WHO ideals necessitate 250,000 practicing doctors, thwarted by non-active registrants and this surge abroad.
Root causes? Crumbling setups and cultural norms benching female talent. 2023 Gallup data reveals 35% of women doctors inactive, victims of tradition, joblessness, or transport woes deterring night work.
Abysmal pay drives exits. Youth-led agitations against ordeals have waned, ignored by officials. City-focused care funnels patients into congested metros, amplifying burnout.
High-achievers balk at outdated tools, sparse research, and uninspiring climates. Foreign allure—state-of-the-art tech, education, and quality life—proves irresistible. Revival hinges on remuneration boosts, nationwide infrastructure, and inclusivity drives to anchor doctors and fortify care delivery.