Save Our Pak
Islamabad (January 16, 2026): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the Prime Minister Health Card Program for citizens of Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. While addressing the ceremony, he said that supporting the weak and vulnerable is a core responsibility of the state.
According to APP, the Prime Minister spoke at the inauguration event, which was attended by federal ministers, members of the National Assembly, and senior government officials.
The Prime Minister stated that access to healthcare is a basic right of every citizen. He added that the government is working to provide health facilities directly to people’s doorsteps. He recalled that the health card program was first introduced in 2016 by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and quickly expanded across provinces, benefiting millions of families.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that health is the most valuable asset in life. He said that when people are healthy, they can study, play sports, work actively, and contribute positively to society.
He further said that providing healthcare services is a top priority of the government. The health card program is being launched for brothers and sisters in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He congratulated Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Health Secretary, and their entire team on this achievement.
The Prime Minister said that the health card program reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare. He pointed out that wealthy individuals can afford expensive medical treatment abroad, but ordinary citizens, laborers, and low-income families face serious difficulties. He added that good health allows people to earn a dignified living, helps youth succeed in sports, and enables progress in all areas of life. He expressed hope that full measures would be taken to ensure the program’s success and transparency through third-party oversight.
He also mentioned that the proposal to introduce the health card program in Sindh is under consideration. He said Sindh has its own healthcare system, and discussions will be held with the Chief Minister to find a solution so citizens there can also benefit. He added that health programs are already active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while Punjab is successfully implementing the health card program with billions of rupees being spent.
One Crore People to Receive Free Medical Treatment
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the event, said that the program began in 2016 and healthcare is a basic right of every citizen. He announced that one crore people in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan will receive free medical treatment under this program.
He said the government is committed to expanding healthcare services to all citizens. More than one crore people will benefit from the program, and 70 hospitals in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan have been included.
He added that Sindh is currently the only province not using the Prime Minister Health Card, while all other provinces are benefiting from it. He said the Prime Minister’s vision and leadership will help build a strong and sustainable healthcare system. He also mentioned that 16 hospitals in Karachi have been allocated for health card services.
Cashless Treatment Available at Over 600 Hospitals
Chief Executive Officer of the Prime Minister Health Card Program, Muhammad Arshad Qaimkhani, said that the journey that began on January 1, 2016, has now evolved into universal health coverage.
He said poverty surveys show that 66 percent of people fall below the poverty line because they cannot afford medical expenses. He called the health card program a historic step that will provide cashless treatment to every Pakistani.
He stated that more than 600 public and private hospitals will offer cashless medical services under this program. Patients will not need to pay any money, as their CNIC and children’s B-Form will be used as health cards.
He added that after 10 years of effort, the program has become universal. From the mountains of Gilgit to the coast of Gwadar, citizens will have access to free treatment. He said this system will also help the country respond quickly during pandemics or emergency situations.
At the end of the ceremony, the Prime Minister distributed Prime Minister Health Cards for citizens of Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Reported by Save Our Pak
