ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday officially revived the Health Card Scheme, extending its benefits to Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The move reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to providing free and quality healthcare to all citizens.
Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said the initiative would deliver healthcare directly to citizens, ensuring access regardless of economic or social status. “Healthcare is the right of every Pakistani – whether a prime minister or a street vendor,” he said. He emphasized that health is the foundation for education, employment, and national progress.
The Prime Minister recalled the scheme’s launch in 2016 under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and highlighted its expansion across provinces. He stressed that protecting the poor, widows, orphans, and daily wage earners remained a top priority of the Health Card Scheme.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal shared operational details, saying the revived programme would provide free, cashless healthcare to nearly 10 million residents of Islamabad, AJK, and GB. Around 70 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, including 20 new hospitals in Islamabad. Cardholders from these regions can also access treatment at 16 designated hospitals in Karachi.
PM Shehbaz urged transparent implementation through third-party monitoring to ensure proper care at empanelled facilities. He stated that he would personally oversee the scheme and coordinate with local authorities in Islamabad, AJK, and GB for effective execution.
The Prime Minister also addressed the proposal to extend the programme to Sindh, calling it valid and assuring citizens that he would take up the matter with the provincial leadership. He praised Punjab’s government for implementing the Health Card Scheme successfully and noted plans to make similar healthcare facilities available nationwide.
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The Health Card Scheme is expected to significantly reduce healthcare burdens, especially for low-income families, providing timely treatment without financial stress. PM Shehbaz said the programme would be a model for equitable healthcare access across Pakistan.
