Access to better health? The impact of the Benazir Income Support Programme in Pakistan

Abstract

The multi-dimensional impact of social protection programmes can make them an effective instrument in the alleviation of poverty and vulnerability by enhancing the health, education and social well-being of target groups. In recognition of their importance, this note addresses the health-related impact of Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme, based on interviews with 1,000 beneficiaries in Punjab province. Not surprisingly, the findings, among others, are that an increase in the family size of beneficiaries has a negative impact on attaining better health; that the probability of better health increases if beneficiaries are engaged in some form of employment; and that the probability of better health is higher for urban beneficiaries than it is for rural beneficiaries. Such findings raise significant questions about the capacity of the programme to meet desired objectives and goals.

Keywords:

• social protection programmes
• health impacts
• programme evaluation
• Benazir Income Support Programme
• Pakistan

Acknowledgement

The willingness of interviewees to be involved and to respond to the questions posed was essential to the success of the research addressed here. Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged.