KARACHI: Expressing concern over a major United Nations` report released on the World Health Day on Monday, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called upon the government to prioritise primary healthcare and allocate substantial funds for maternal and child health.

TheUNreportonmaternalmortalitylistsPakistan among four countries together with Nigeria, India and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that accounted for nearly half (47 per cent) of the estimated 260,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2023.

The report showed that Nigeria had the highest number of maternal deaths and accounted for more than a quarter (28.7pc) of all estimated global maternal deaths in 2023, with approximately 75,000 deaths.

Only three other countries had more than 10,000 maternal deaths in 2023: India and DRC tied at 19,000, with Pakistan totaling 11,000. India and DRC accounted for 7.2pc each, while Pakistan accountedfor 4.1pc of global maternal deaths.

`This report is a grim reminder of our apathy towards mothers. The government must realise that the nation`s health is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our children and mothers,` said PMA`s Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro.

Investing in primary healthcare was not merely a social responsibility; it was a fundamental investment in the future of Pakistan, he added.

`The government needs to prioritise maternal and child health by enhancing access to related quality services, including prenatal care, safe childbirth, immunisation programmes and nutritional support, On behalf of the association, he called upon the government to dismantle the barriers that prevent citizens from accessing essential healthcare services, particularly those facing financial hardship.

In a statement, the association urged the government to allocate a substantial portion of the national budget to bolster primary healthcare infrastructure, including the development and maintenance of clinics, rural health centers and basic health units.