In Pakistan, a chilling combination of fear and bureaucratic red tape is denying women access to life-saving medical care. A new report reveals how pervasive terror threats and endless paperwork are creating insurmountable barriers, particularly for women seeking treatment across borders or in high-risk zones.
The study, drawing from extensive interviews and data analysis, paints a grim picture. Women in conflict-ridden areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan face dual threats: militant attacks on medical facilities and stringent visa requirements that delay critical procedures. One case highlighted involves a 32-year-old mother from Quetta whose ovarian cancer diagnosis came too late because her medical visa application languished in limbo for months.
Experts point to a systemic failure. ‘The fear factor is real,’ says Dr. Ayesha Khan, a Lahore-based oncologist. ‘Patients cancel appointments after bomb blasts near hospitals, and even when they muster the courage, paperwork demands—like affidavits and police clearances—can take weeks.’ This is compounded by cultural stigmas that discourage women from traveling alone for treatment.
Government officials acknowledge the issues but cite security protocols as necessary. The Interior Ministry reports processing over 15,000 medical visas last year, yet critics argue the process is overly cumbersome. NGOs are stepping in, offering legal aid and safe transport, but their reach remains limited.
As Pakistan grapples with rising militancy, the human cost mounts. The report calls for streamlined visa processes, dedicated women’s medical corridors, and increased security for healthcare facilities. Without urgent reforms, thousands of women risk becoming statistics in a healthcare crisis fueled by fear and bureaucracy.