Pakistan Extends Global Health Coverage to AJK, GB, and ICT with Rs40.188 Billion Program
The Pakistani government has approved a Rs40.188 billion (approximately $140 million USD) extension of the Sehat Sahulat Programme, aiming to provide universal health coverage in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) through June 30, 2027. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to formally launch the initiative in the coming days.
A History of the Sehat Sahulat Programme
The Sehat Sahulat Programme, initially launched on February 7, 2018, has undergone several phases of expansion and modification. Originally designed as a three-year program, it was extended to seven years, concluding in June 2025, before being devolved to the provinces. This latest extension represents a renewed federal commitment to healthcare access in specific territories.
The program’s evolution reflects a broader national conversation about equitable healthcare access. While the initial focus was on providing coverage to the poorest segments of society, subsequent expansions broadened eligibility criteria, leading to concerns about resource allocation and the program’s core mission.
Addressing Concerns and Reaffirming the program’s Focus
Prime Minister Sharif approved the continuation of the program beyond its initial June 2025 deadline during a meeting on January 2, 2026. This decision led to the growth of a revised project proposal, cleared by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and now awaiting final approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).
A key aspect of the current revision is a renewed emphasis on the program’s original intent: to prioritize the health needs of vulnerable populations. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has advocated for renaming the program back to its original title, the Prime Minister’s national Health Programme, to underscore this commitment. This shift aims to ensure that public resources are directed towards protecting those most in need and strengthening the social safety net.
What Does the Sehat Sahulat Programme Cover?
the program provides health insurance coverage for indoor healthcare services to all permanent resident families within AJK, GB, and ICT, as verified by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) records. This coverage is designed to substantially reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and catastrophic financial burdens associated with hospitalization,potentially by up to 60 percent. The focus is on expanding access to both secondary and priority inpatient treatments.
Broader Health Sector Investments
The Sehat Sahulat Programme extension was one of five health sector projects, totaling Rs79.35 billion, approved by the CDWP. Other projects included revisions to the Jinnah Hospital (Polyclinic-II) plan in Islamabad, demonstrating a broader government investment in improving healthcare infrastructure and services across the country.
Uraan Pakistan and Universal Health Coverage
The Sehat Sahulat Programme is a central component of the “Uraan Pakistan” social sector initiative, a broader government strategy aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens. This initiative recognizes healthcare as a fundamental right and seeks to address disparities in access based on socioeconomic status and geographic location.
CDWP Approvals and Next Steps
In addition to the Sehat Sahulat Programme, the CDWP approved three smaller development projects totaling Rs12.5 billion under its financial authority. the larger projects – the Sehat Sahulat Programme (Rs40.188 billion) and the revised Jinnah Hospital plan (Rs15.95 billion) – have been forwarded to the Ecnec for final approval. once approved by Ecnec, the program will be fully implemented, extending vital healthcare access to millions of residents in AJK, GB, and ICT.
Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026
