The Economics Department at Institute of Business Management (IoBM), under the College of Economics and Social Development (CESD), hosted an insightful session titled “Healthcare Policies in Pakistan: An Economic Perspective” for students of Pakistan Economic Policy. The session, led by Dr. Muhammad Zubair and Dr. Aniqa Arsalan, was designed to connect academic learning with real-world policy analysis.
The guest speaker, Dr. Muhammad Ashar Malik, a renowned health economist, founding member of the Health Economics and Policy Research Group, and Associate Dean (Education) and Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University—delivered a comprehensive lecture on the evolution of healthcare policies in Pakistan. He contextualized policy development within its historical trajectory while offering a critical assessment of both achievements and persistent structural challenges.
Emphasizing the centrality of economic analysis, Dr. Malik underscored how principles such as efficiency, equity, and sustainability are fundamental to effective healthcare policymaking. He also highlighted key considerations including resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and financial protection mechanisms as essential to strengthening Pakistan’s health system.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion, providing students with nuanced insights into the intersection of economics and public health policy. The initiative reflects CESD’s continued commitment to fostering critical thinking and policy-oriented learning.
