ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the revival and expansion of the Health Card programme to include Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
This initiative aims to provide free and cashless healthcare services to approximately 10 million residents in these regions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all Pakistanis, regardless of their social or economic background.
During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz emphasized that this step is part of a broader effort to bring healthcare facilities directly to people’s doorsteps. He recalled the original launch of the scheme in 2016 under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and highlighted its subsequent rapid expansion across provinces. The Prime Minister stressed that health is the most valuable asset in life and underlined its importance as a foundation for education, employment, and overall national progress.
He pointed out that while wealthy individuals can afford treatment abroad, the true test of the state’s strength is its ability to protect vulnerable groups such as the poor, widows, orphans, and daily wage earners who struggle to access healthcare. “If a labourer falls ill and cannot receive treatment, his family’s future is plunged into darkness. Healthcare is a right for every Pakistani—whether a prime minister or a street vendor,” he asserted.
PM Shehbaz congratulated Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the health department officials, and their teams for their efforts in implementing the programme. He called for transparent execution and third-party monitoring to ensure that treatments are provided at qualified facilities according to high standards. He expressed confidence that honest implementation would benefit the people and bring spiritual rewards.
He also assured that the programme would be closely overseen through visits and inspections, working alongside health officials, parliamentarians, and regional leadership in Islamabad, GB, and AJK. Addressing the possibility of extending the scheme to Sindh, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of such a move and promised to personally discuss it with the Sindh government.
Highlighting the progress in Punjab, he appreciated the provincial government’s efforts and affirmed that similar health initiatives would be promoted across the country. Mustafa Kamal, the Federal Minister of Health, shared operational details, stating that nearly 70 hospitals are being empanelled in Islamabad, AJK, and GB, including 20 additional hospitals in Islamabad. He also mentioned that residents from these regions living in Karachi could access treatment at 16 designated hospitals there.
Kamal noted that the Health Card programme is not yet active in Sindh, but a comprehensive plan covering 10 districts in the province has been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs24 billion. He expressed optimism that with funding for two years, the programme could become self-sustaining from the third year onward, potentially alleviating healthcare disparities in Sindh as well.
