Record Medical Migration in 2025 Highlights Pakistan’s Deepening Healthcare Crisis
Low salaries, poor infrastructure, and challenging working conditions push medical professionals overseas, exposing systemic gaps in the country’s health sector.
India, Feb 09 : Pakistan witnessed a record outflow of medical professionals in 2025, with nearly 4,000 doctors leaving the country in search of improved career prospects, according to a data analysis by Gallup Pakistan based on Bureau of Emigration records. The surge marks the highest level of medical migration in the nation’s history and raises fresh concerns about the stability of its healthcare system.
An editorial in The News International noted that although Pakistan produces roughly 22,000 doctors each year and has about 370,000 registered practitioners, the availability of active professionals remains far lower than required. For a population approaching 250 million, the World Health Organization recommends at least one doctor per 1,000 people a target that appears achievable statistically but is undermined by workforce participation issues.
One of the most pressing challenges is the low engagement of women doctors. A 2023 Gallup survey found that 35 percent of qualified female physicians are not currently practicing. Social pressures, safety concerns during late-hour commutes, and limited workplace support have contributed to their withdrawal from the profession.
Financial constraints also play a significant role. Many doctors cite inadequate pay and demanding schedules as primary reasons for seeking employment abroad. Earlier protests by young medical professionals over harsh working environments have diminished over time, reportedly due to a lack of policy response from successive governments.
Healthcare infrastructure remains heavily concentrated in urban centres, forcing critically ill patients to travel long distances for treatment. This imbalance places immense pressure on city hospitals while leaving rural regions underserved.
Additionally, restricted access to modern equipment, research platforms, and professional development opportunities has dampened morale among practitioners. For many, overseas healthcare systems offering advanced technology and collaborative environments present a far more attractive alternative.
The accelerating migration trend underscores deeper structural problems within Pakistan’s health ecosystem, signalling an urgent need for reforms to retain skilled talent and ensure sustainable medical care.
