Islamabad: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has said that permanent residents of Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan will receive free healthcare facilities under the National Health Card, benefiting nearly 10 million people.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the programme launched by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mustafa Kamal said that according to the World Health Organization, around 13 million Pakistanis have slipped below the poverty line due to illness-related expenses. He said the health card would ensure that no poor family is forced to sell household items or wander from hospital to hospital for treatment.

The minister stated that over 1,000 public and private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, ensuring free treatment for emergencies and major surgeries with dignity. He added that no child or mother would be deprived of medical care due to financial constraints.

Highlighting disparities, he termed it unjust that Karachi residents with Karachi CNICs remain excluded while non-Karachi CNIC holders can avail the facility. He urged the Prime Minister to include 10 districts of Sindh in the programme, requiring Rs. 24 billion annually.

Mustafa Kamal emphasized shifting Pakistan’s healthcare system from “sick care” to preventive healthcare, stating that practical steps are underway to ensure equitable health services for all citizens.