Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has made a significant announcement regarding the expansion of free healthcare services, while highlighting a continued major exclusion for one province.
New Regions Added to Free Healthcare Scheme
During the inauguration of the second Digitalised Health Centre at Jacob Line in Karachi's Saddar area on Sunday, Minister Kamal declared that citizens from Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad can now receive free treatment at private hospitals. This service is part of the federal government's flagship Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.
Sindh's Persistent Exclusion from Vital Program
However, the minister pointed out a critical disparity. He stated that the UHC program is operational in all provinces of Pakistan except Sindh. While the federal government has technically launched the initiative in Karachi, its benefits are not accessible to local residents. Only citizens who do not possess a Sindh or Karachi identity card can avail the free treatment at designated private hospitals within the city. This effectively bars the native population of Sindh and its capital from this vital health safety net.
A Step Forward Amidst Inequity
Minister Kamal expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on improving the country's healthcare infrastructure. He emphasized that the launch of the new digital health centre in Karachi marks a significant step forward in ensuring better medical facilities for the public.
Reflecting on the broader mission, the minister stressed the importance of serving humanity. He referenced a Hadith about a woman who was rewarded by Allah for quenching the thirst of a dog. "Allah loves His creation, and alleviating the suffering of others brings immense rewards," Kamal added, underscoring the ethical imperative behind expanding healthcare access.
The announcement clarifies the current scope of the UHC program, extending a crucial benefit to residents of federally administered territories but leaving questions unanswered about the inclusion of Sindh's millions in the future.
