Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is renowned for its beauty, greenery, and modern infrastructure. It offers a high quality of life, low crime rate, and numerous amenities. However, many wonder if living in Islamabad contributes to a healthier lifestyle compared to other cities. In this article, we will explore several factors that affect health and well-being in Islamabad.
Air Quality: Breath of Fresh Air
One of the major advantages of living in Islamabad is the city’s clean and fresh air. In comparison to other major cities in Pakistan and the region, Islamabad exhibits a low level of air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Islamabad’s annual average PM2.5 concentration was 22 μg/m3 in 2018, which falls below the WHO guideline of 25 μg/m3. PM2.5 refers to fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Contrastingly, cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar experienced significantly higher annual average PM2.5 concentrations, with 89, 59, and 54 μg/m3 respectively. Such levels of air pollution can contribute to various health problems including asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. Consequently, residing in Islamabad can reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants, improving respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Green Spaces: Nature’s Embrace
Another remarkable aspect of living in Islamabad is the abundance of green spaces and natural beauty. The city is enveloped by the Margalla Hills, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Moreover, Islamabad boasts numerous parks, gardens, and forests that provide recreational opportunities while benefiting the environment. Notable green spaces in Islamabad include Faisal Mosque Park, Fatima Jinnah Park, Shakarparian National Park, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Margalla Hills National Park, and Rawal Lake.
Green spaces have a positive impact on physical and mental health by offering opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, social interaction, and exposure to nature. Studies indicate that spending time in green spaces can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve mood, boost immunity, and prevent obesity. Hence, living in Islamabad grants greater access to these green spaces, enhancing overall well-being.
Healthcare Facilities: A Vital Concern
The availability and quality of healthcare facilities are crucial factors that influence one’s health in Islamabad. The city possesses a moderately good public healthcare system, offering free or low-cost services to citizens. However, the quality of public healthcare facilities may vary in terms of resources, cleanliness, and efficiency. Furthermore, the emergency services may struggle to meet the demand and provide adequate responses.
Consequently, many expatriates opt for private healthcare facilities, which offer better standards of care and a wider range of options. It is important to note that private healthcare facilities can be expensive and poorly regulated. Therefore, it is highly recommended for expatriates to invest in a comprehensive private health insurance plan that covers their medical needs and expenses.
Some reputable private healthcare facilities in Islamabad include Shifa International Hospital, Ali Medical Centre, Maroof International Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital, Kulsum International Hospital, and Islamabad Diagnostic Centre. These facilities offer a broad range of services such as general medicine, surgery, dentistry, cardiology, neurology, gynecology, pediatrics, radiology, pathology, and pharmacy.
