Health and Population Challenges in Punjab, Pakistan: A Gap and Need Analysis

Background: Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, faces burdens of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rapid population growth, and inequitable healthcare access. Despite healthcare investments, challenges remain in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for comprehensive health and population sector assessment. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of health and population services in Punjab, Pakistan, identify key system gaps using the World Health Organization (WHO) Health System Building Blocks Framework, and propose evidence-based recommendations for health system strengthening. Methods: A narrative review and policy analysis were conducted using a PRISMA-informed search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and reports from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, and the Government of Punjab. Publications (2020–2025) were screened, with 87 eligible studies included. The findings were synthesized using the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework to identify key gaps and policy priorities. Results: The review found improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal and child health, immunization, and digital health. However, persistent gaps include inequitable access, workforce shortages, fragmented information systems, limited access to essential medicines, inadequate primary healthcare (PHC) investment, and weak governance. High maternal and child mortality, childhood stunting, rising NCDs, unmet family planning needs, and rapid population growth continue to strain Punjab’s health system. Conclusions: Despite notable progress, persistent health system gaps continue to impede UHC and SDG achievement in Punjab. Strengthening PHC, governance, workforce capacity, and preventive services is essential for sustainable health outcomes.