Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Prime Minister Health Card Programme for citizens of Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring free medical treatment for millions of people.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, the Prime Minister said that access to healthcare is a basic right of every citizen, and it is the responsibility of the state to support vulnerable segments of society. He stated that the launch of the Health Card reflects the government’s continued commitment to public welfare.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, members of the National Assembly, and senior officials.
The Prime Minister recalled that the Health Card Programme was originally launched in 2016 by former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and since then millions of families across provinces have benefited from it. He emphasised that health is the most valuable asset, as it enables education, sports, employment, and overall progress in life.
He said the government is providing healthcare facilities at the doorstep of citizens, adding that Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan have now been included in the programme. He congratulated Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Health Secretary, and their team for their efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that while the elite can afford expensive treatment abroad, ordinary citizens and labourers face severe difficulties, which is why the state must ensure healthcare for all. He directed that third-party oversight be used to ensure transparency in the programme.
He also said that the proposal to implement the Health Card Programme in Sindh is under consideration, and discussions will be held with the Sindh Chief Minister to find a solution. He noted that similar health initiatives are already operational in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, with billions of rupees being spent on healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that health is a fundamental right and that the programme will provide free treatment to over 10 million people in Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He said 70 hospitals in these regions have been included, while 600+ hospitals nationwide are providing cashless treatment under the programme.
He added that Sindh is currently the only province not using the Prime Minister Health Card, while all other provinces have adopted it. He described the initiative as a historic step towards strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Prime Minister Health Card Programme CEO Muhammad Arshad Qaimkhani said the journey that began on January 1, 2016, has now evolved into Universal Health Coverage. He highlighted that poverty surveys show 66% of people fall below the poverty line due to healthcare expenses.
He explained that the programme offers completely cashless treatment at public and private hospitals, using CNICs and children’s B-Forms as health cards. From the mountains of Gilgit to the coast of Gwadar, every citizen will benefit from free healthcare. He added that the system will also help in responding quickly to pandemics and emergencies.
At the end of the ceremony, the Prime Minister distributed Prime Minister Health Cards to beneficiaries from Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
