Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, announced that the Health Facilitation Program, which had remained suspended in the federal capital for several years, has now been reinstated to provide citizens with access to quality and free healthcare services.
He made these remarks during his visit to Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH) on Wednesday, where he reviewed healthcare services being provided under the Health Facilitation Program, now operating as the Prime Minister’s National Health Program. Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Program, Muhammad Arshad, and Group Chief Executive Officer of GAK HealthCare International Yasir Khan Niazi, were also present on the occasion.
During the visit, the Federal Minister met patients receiving treatment under the Prime Minister’s National Health Program, inquired about their wellbeing, and sought feedback regarding the medical services being provided. Patients expressed satisfaction with the quality of treatment, hospital facilities, and the support extended by the hospital administration. The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the healthcare services, facilities, and standard of patient care being provided at the hospital.
The Minister noted that the population of the federal capital has exceeded 3.5 million. In addition, hospitals in Islamabad receive a significant number of patients from Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas. As a result, public hospitals frequently face overcrowding, while private healthcare facilities are also experiencing increasing pressure.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that the Prime Minister had approved the government's proposal in the public interest, leading to the revival of the Health Facilitation Program after several years.
He informed that the program has been launched in 42 hospitals across the twin cities, enabling eligible patients to receive free medical treatment. The program will be applicable within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad.
The Federal Minister further stated that, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, approximately 13 million people have fallen below the poverty line, while nearly PKR 2 billion has been spent on patient treatment over the past five months. He added that all program-related information and expenditures are being monitored through a real-time data system, and any irregularities or violations will not be tolerated.
He said that the combined health budget of the federal and provincial governments stands at PKR 1,156 billion; however, patient satisfaction remains below 10 percent. Referring to a comprehensive study on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), he noted that essential healthcare services could be provided with resources amounting to approximately PKR 210 billion. However, achieving this objective would require the establishment of nearly 5,000 additional hospitals across the country.
The Minister emphasized that Universal Health Coverage represents the future of healthcare systems and is already being implemented in most countries around the world. He further warned that any hospital found violating program rules or involved in malpractice or corruption would be immediately delisted from the program.
Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to healthcare sector reforms, transparency, and the provision of quality healthcare services to the public through all possible measures.
