Rehabilitation of Primary Healthcare Through Family Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities in Public Sector Hospitals in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan’s healthcare system faces persistent challenges of overcrowded tertiary hospitals, weak referral mechanisms, and underutilized primary care services. This study explores the potential of Family Medicine as a strategic intervention for rehabilitating primary healthcare within the public sector. Using a mixed-methods approach combining policy review, case analysis, and stakeholder perspectives, the study identifies key barriers, including a limited trained workforce, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policy alignment. Findings demonstrate that Family Medicine, with its holistic and preventive focus, can enhance continuity of care, strengthen referral systems, and reduce unnecessary tertiary-level burden. Integrating digital health tools, continuous professional training, and community engagement emerged as critical enablers for reform. The discussion situates Pakistan’s context within global best practices, highlighting the alignment of Family Medicine-led primary healthcare with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The study concludes that effective policy reforms, investment in capacity building, and structured implementation of Family Medicine are essential to establish a resilient, equitable, and efficient healthcare system in Pakistan.