Despite growing economy, Pakistan not among countries with healthy people

KARACHI: With its rapidly growing economy, Pakistan has failed to make it to the list of top 50 countries with healthy people, according to Bloomberg global health index, which means its citizens have lesser chances of living healthy lives.

The Bloomberg in its Global Health Index of 163 countries has ranked Italy as the healthiest country on the planet, with a baby born there expected to live up to more than 80 years.

Though growth has stagnated in Italy for decades and almost 40 percent of its youngsters are out of jobs, yet Italians are in way better shape than Americans, Canadians and Britons, who all suffer from higher blood pressure, cholesterol and poorer mental health.

Each country in the index was graded on the basis of variables such as life expectancy, causes of death and health risks ranging from high blood pressure and tobacco use to malnutrition, and the availability of clean water.

Iceland, Switzerland, Singapore and Australia made up the top five most-healthy countries in the index.

Below is the Bloomberg index with health grade, score and risk penalties of the top 50 countries:

Source: Bloomberg Markets