Pak–India collaborations in health: Insights and way forward

Abstract

Commonalities abound varied health challenges confronting Pakistan and India. Some of these warrant joint collaborative solutions. This study presents existing health collaborations by mapping out active connections between the countries, through a literature review and clinical and public health professionals’ interviews. It reveals that a diversity of practices exist beyond the usual notions of ‘collaboration’ usually depicted in the literature. Outcomes from such initiatives included enhanced learning and exchanges of information and research across various communities and contexts. In various adoptions of the term, contextualisation within and between countries and amongst particular communities is cited as important. Travel and mobility restriction emerged as one key issue that hampers and discourages collaborations. Key lessons conveyed by the participants included an enabling environment, missing on both sides of the border. Opportunities and recommendations are presented to address the obstacles that discourage cross-border dialogue and to enhance collaborations between the two countries.

Keywords:

• partnership in global health
• public health alliance
• Pakistan
• India
• global health

Acknowledgements

We thank our expert informants including, Qadeer Baig of the World Food Programme (WFP) Rutgers, Prof. Samad Shera of the International Diabetes Federation, Dr Faisal Sultan of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Dr Shershah Syed of the Pakistan National Forum on Women Health, Dr Azhar Faruqui of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zeba Sathar of the Population Council and Syed Kamal Shah of Rehnuma for sharing their experiences and insights about past collaborations. One of us (Dr Yasmin Qazi) was also an interviewee. All views expressed and the statements made are solely the responsibility of the authors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

This work was supported and funded by grants from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (Pakistan Office).

Notes

1. Sania Nishtar served as Federal Minister in Pakistan's Caretaker Government in 2013.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported and funded by grants from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (Pakistan Office).