PM Shahbaz Sharif Launches Free Health Card Program for Islamabad

Web Desk | 3 months ago

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will officially launch the health card program today, Friday. The initiative offers free healthcare services to residents of Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials say the program aims to improve access to quality medical care for all citizens.

The program links the health card to citizens’ national identity cards. This connection allows individuals to receive medical treatment at both public and private hospitals across the country. Citizens can use their health cards to access a wide range of medical facilities.

Under the program, patients can avail themselves of free medical services at over 640 hospitals nationwide. These include both government-run and private hospitals. The government emphasized that the program would provide support for major health issues and emergencies.

The health card initiative had been suspended two years ago. During that time, residents faced difficulties, especially in treating serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, and accidents. The relaunch is expected to remove these challenges for citizens.

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Now, with the program active, people can receive treatment for serious health conditions at no cost. The government stressed that the initiative is part of its commitment to universal healthcare and social welfare. Citizens are encouraged to register and utilize their benefits immediately.

The Universal Health Coverage Program has been allocated Rs41 billion in funding. Each family can access up to Rs1 million worth of medical treatment every year. Authorities believe this financial coverage will significantly reduce healthcare burdens on citizens.

The health card program will remain in effect until June 30, 2027. Officials also plan to monitor and expand the program to include more hospitals and services. The government called it a major step toward providing affordable healthcare for all Pakistanis.