<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Health Economics in Rural Balochistan: Cost-Effective Solutions <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">for Improved Healthcare Access<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">

Background: Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, grapples with profound health economics challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, high treatment costs, and limited access to quality care, particularly in rural areas. Despite recent policy initiatives, such as the Balochistan Health Card Program launched in November 2023, the region continues to face significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Objective: This review aims to critically examine the prevailing health economics issues in Balochistan, assess the effectiveness of current interventions, and propose evidence-based strategies to enhance healthcare accessibility and equity in the province. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and reputable news sources published between 2023 and 2025. Key databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and regional publications were utilized to gather relevant data. Studies focusing on healthcare infrastructure, financing mechanisms, and policy interventions in Balochistan were prioritized. Findings: The review identifies several critical issues: ∙ High Healthcare Costs: Despite the introduction of the health card program, many residents remain unaware or face administrative barriers, limiting its reach. ∙ Inadequate Infrastructure: Approximately 62% of healthcare facilities are partially damaged, with 47% only partially functional, and 16% partially accessible. ∙ Workforce Shortages: The doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:1,000, and the nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:50, indicating a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. ∙ Limited Access: Geographical isolation and poor transportation further hinder access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Addressing Balochistan's health economics challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach, including: Enhancing Awareness and Accessibility: Implementing robust information campaigns to educate the public about available health services and insurance programs. Infrastructure Development: Investing in the repair and modernization of healthcare facilities to improve service delivery. Workforce Expansion: Recruiting and training healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for services. Policy Reforms: Strengthening public-private partnerships and ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare resources. By adopting these strategies, Balochistan can move towards achieving universal health coverage and improving the overall health outcomes of its population.