FRONTLINE AND FORGOTTEN: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE AND RECOGNITION OF FAMILY MEDICINE IN PAKISTAN’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Abstract

Background: Family medicine plays a major role in primary healthcare worldwide, yet its presence in Pakistan's healthcare remains sub optimal and undervalued. This study explores the perspectives of healthcare professionals working in different environments on the challenges, perceptions, and structural barriers that affect the development and recognition of family medicine in Pakistan.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, including family physicians, educators, and health policy stakeholders. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, each with at least 3–5 years of post-graduation experience. The interviews focused on key domains such as the perceived role of family medicine, professional recognition, education and training gaps, system-level integration, and public understanding.

Results: Among participants, 83.33% acknowledged the critical role of family medicine, but only 66.67% believed it received sufficient recognition from policymakers. A majority (83.33%) reported limited emphasis on family medicine within medical curricula, and 73.33% noted that patients tend to prefer specialists. Additionally, 60% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with how family medicine is integrated with other specialties. There was strong agreement (83.33%) on the urgent need to strengthen primary care and increase policy-level support.

Conclusion: Despite its potential to improve health access and continuity of care, family medicine in Pakistan remains marginalized. Strengthening its role will require curricular reforms, public education efforts, and strategic policy action. Lessons from international health systems highlight the importance of integration and institutional support for family medicine to enhance healthcare delivery in Pakistan.