The health system has been defined as all people, institutions and resources that
undertake actions with the primary intent of improving health, while responsiveness of
the health system refers to its objective of responding to the legitimate expectations of the
population it serves. Although responsiveness is a non-health objective of the health
system, it affects the health status of the population by influencing treatment compliance,
patient-provider communication and health services utilization. Furthermore,
responsiveness has a fundamental value as it concerns basic human rights of the
individuals being served by the health system.
This study was undertaken to determine how well the Pakistani federal health
system was responding to the needs of 18-45 year old adults with physical disabilities
living in Islamabad, and the barriers that were hindering the government from responding
to this vulnerable sub-group of the population. The study employed a qualitative
approach. Data were collected through focus group discussions with 18-45 year old
physically disabled consumers of healthcare in the three federal government hospitals
located in Islamabad. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with health care
providers, managers, policy makers, and disability rights advocates who had been
operating within the same system.