Government Relaunches Sehat Sahulat Program in Islamabad

Sehat Sahulat Relaunch Brings Free Healthcare to Islamabad

The Sehat Sahulat Program has been officially relaunched in Islamabad, offering free medical treatment to eligible patients across 42 hospitals in the twin cities. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal confirmed that the program will initially provide two years of treatment coverage, with plans to expand into free OPD services in the third year.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

To maintain integrity, the program will collect real-time data on patient treatment and expenses. Hospitals found violating program rules will be immediately delisted, ensuring accountability and preventing corruption.

Addressing Healthcare Challenges

Islamabad’s population has now exceeded 3.5 million, with hospitals also serving patients from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Rawalpindi. Rising patient inflows have placed immense pressure on both public and private facilities, making the relaunch of Sehat Sahulat a timely intervention.

Financial Insights

In just the last five months, the government spent Rs. 2 billion on patient treatment under the program. Despite a combined federal and provincial health budget of Rs. 1,156 billion, patient satisfaction remains below 10%, highlighting the need for reforms. Studies suggest that basic healthcare could be provided with Rs. 210 billion, but achieving universal coverage would require 5,000 additional hospitals nationwide.

Future Vision

Minister Kamal emphasized that universal health coverage is the future of healthcare in Pakistan. The relaunch of Sehat Sahulat is seen as a step toward equitable access, especially for vulnerable communities living below the poverty line.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality medical treatment regardless of financial status.