Paving the Path to Universal Health Coverage: Incorporating Rehabilitation Into Primary Healthcare

To explore the integration of rehabilitation services into primary care, with discussions guided by open-ended questions to allow detailed responses on various aspects of this integration was the objective of the study. The integration of rehabilitative services into primary care in Pakistan, a nation attempting to attain universal health coverage (UHC) and facing major healthcare issues, is the primary focus of this study.

This qualitative study gathered insights from five experts in health systems, public health, and rehabilitation through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying key themes such as integration challenges, financial planning, service delivery, and the roles of primary care providers.

It has become clear that timely and efficient patient care requires the integration of general care with rehabilitation services, with primary care physicians being crucial in starting and managing rehabilitation initiatives. Another important subject was financial sustainability, highlighting the necessity of long-term budgeting and planning to provide equal and ongoing access to rehabilitation services. Experts also emphasized the importance of rehabilitation within healthcare systems, urging more public and professional awareness to enhance resource allocation and policy support.

In order to improve rehabilitation services, the study emphasizes the need for strong health information systems, strategic policy frameworks, and raised awareness. A resilient healthcare system that serves the needs of every person can be built, and UHC can be a reality, by addressing the obstacles that have been identified and capturing integration possibilities.