Dynamic reflections of multidimensional health poverty in Pakistan

Abstract

The recent methodological development has entirely shifted the identification of poor in the multidimensional spectrum; thereby addressing the multiple health spheres. The present research primarily examines the dynamics of multidimensional health poverty on the basis of HIES & PSLM nationwide survey data from 2013–14 to 2018–19. The study employed Alkire & Foster Alkire, S (2007) Multidimensional Poverty Index to estimate the seven distinct dimensions of health aspects to identify the poor. The results of health poverty demonstrate a declining trend over time at national, provincial and regional level in Pakistan. Interestingly, the regional statistics indicated the poverty as a rural phenomenon of Pakistan. Comparative measures of provinces reveal that Baluchistan has been a severe victim of health poverty at overall as well as regional level during the study period. The population decomposition elaborates that individuals residing in two most populated provinces Punjab & Sindh, were the major contributor to overall profile of health poverty. Findings of dimensional decomposition exposes that five key dimensions i.e. use of health services, quality of health services, maternal health, child health and malnutrition have contributed to the overall profile of multidimensional health poverty.