Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) And Public Policy Management: Evaluating The Integration of SDGS Into National Policy And Health Care Frameworks

Abstract

Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework to address interconnected social, economic, and health challenges. For Pakistan, integrating SDGs into national policies, particularly within the healthcare sector, is crucial to achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes.

Objective: This study evaluated the extent to which SDGs have been integrated into Pakistan’s national policy and healthcare frameworks, identifying progress, barriers, and policy implications.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining document analysis of national health policies and SDG reports with semi-structured interviews of policymakers and healthcare administrators (n=20). A survey of healthcare professionals (n=200) assessed perceptions of SDG integration using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data from 2015–2025 were analyzed to measure changes in maternal and child health indicators, immunization coverage, and universal health coverage index. Comparative case studies from other countries were also examined to identify best practices.

Results: Policy alignment with SDG health targets was found to be relatively strong (70–90%), though implementation lagged (55–75%), primarily due to financial constraints, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. Healthcare professionals acknowledged the integration of SDGs into national policies but highlighted insufficient resources, training, and monitoring mechanisms. Between 2015 and 2025, maternal mortality declined by 21.4%, under-5 mortality decreased by 25%, and immunization coverage increased by 21.4%, while the universal health coverage index improved by 15.4%. However, 60% of respondents identified financial limitations and 55% cited political instability as major barriers to implementation.

Conclusion: The integration of SDGs into Pakistan’s healthcare policies has yielded measurable improvements in maternal and child health and expanded financial protection initiatives. Nonetheless, systemic challenges such as governance gaps, weak data systems, and inadequate provincial ownership hinder sustainable progress. Strengthening data infrastructure, enhancing multisectoral collaboration, and ensuring sustainable financing are critical to achieving SDG targets in Pakistan