Major Boost for Pakistan’s Health Sector
The government recently approved a substantial allocation of Rs. 40.18 billion for the extended Sehat Sahulat Program. This vital initiative aims to broaden universal health coverage across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Specifically, the program will continue for two additional years, securing healthcare access until June 2027.
This significant development received clearance from the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). Subsequently, the CDWP endorsed the program’s revised cost and scope. Furthermore, it referred the proposal to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final formal approval.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to formally launch this expanded program in the coming days, marking a crucial step forward for public health.
Understanding the Sehat Sahulat Program’s Evolution
The CDWP meeting, chaired by Ahsan Iqbal, cleared five health sector projects totaling Rs. 79.35 billion. Among these, the Sehat Sahulat Programme stands out as a flagship initiative. Originally introduced on February 7, 2018, the program initially aimed to provide comprehensive health coverage. Later, it saw a nationwide expansion, benefiting numerous citizens.
However, its earlier phase concluded in June 2025, leading to its devolution to individual provinces. Consequently, on January 2, 2026, the Prime Minister specifically approved the program’s continuation for AJK, GB, and ICT beyond the June 2025 deadline. This decision highlights the government’s commitment to these federal territories and their citizens’ well-being.
Revised Framework and Enhanced Health Coverage
Under the newly revised framework, the Sehat Sahulat Program will be implemented universally across the three federal territories. It will operate through the development budget, ensuring widespread reach. The program’s primary objective is to significantly improve public health outcomes. Therefore, it will achieve this by expanding coverage for both secondary and priority inpatient treatments. This expansion aims to reach all permanent resident families in the covered districts, verified via Nadra records.
Moreover, officials emphasize that this project forms a key component of the “Uraan Pakistan” social sector initiative. It specifically targets equitable access to quality healthcare for vulnerable and underserved communities. The program is projected to reduce out-of-pocket and catastrophic hospitalization expenses by up to 60%. This substantial reduction will undoubtedly ease financial burdens on many families and empower individuals towards a healthier future.
Historical Context and Future Direction
During the meeting, the planning minister recounted the program’s origins in 2015. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif initially launched it with the objective of providing full health coverage to poor and deserving families. Subsequently, the program underwent various changes.
However, the minister noted that later expansions to affluent segments in some regions led to resource misuse and limited access for those most in need. Consequently, he directed that the program revert to its original name: the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme. He strongly emphasized that public funds must remain focused on protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening the social safety net, ensuring resources reach the intended beneficiaries and align with broader social welfare initiatives.
CDWP’s Broader Approvals
In addition to the extended health program, the CDWP approved three smaller development projects, collectively valued at Rs. 12.5 billion, utilizing its own financial powers. Conversely, two major projects, totaling Rs. 56.8 billion, were referred to ECNEC for final approval. These included the aforementioned Sehat Sahulat Program and the Rs. 15.95 billion Jinnah Hospital (Polyclinic-II) project in Islamabad. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and social services across various sectors, demonstrating a robust focus on national development.
