Health System Responsiveness to Migrant and Mobile Populations in Pakistan: Access Barriers, Service Gaps, and Policy Implications – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Pakistan hosts a significant population of refugees and migrants, predominantly from Afghanistan, with health systems increasingly challenged to meet their diverse needs. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from recent studies examining health outcomes, access barriers, and system responsiveness for migrant and mobile populations in Pakistan. Evidence highlights substantial gaps in maternal, neonatal, child, and mental health services, nutrition, infectious disease control, vaccination, and health governance. Structural and sociocultural determinants, including inadequate infrastructure, legal barriers, linguistic and cultural differences, discrimination, and financial constraints, exacerbate health inequities. Targeted interventions, inclusive policies, community engagement, and multisectoral coordination emerge as critical strategies to strengthen health system responsiveness. This review underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-informed health policies that integrate migrants and refugees into national health planning to enhance resilience, equity, and preparedness for public health emergencies.