Islamabad, June 10,2026: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has announced the revival of the Health Facilitation Program in the federal capital, restoring access to free and quality healthcare services for eligible citizens after a suspension of several years.
The announcement was made during his visit to Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), where he reviewed healthcare services being provided under 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 accompanied the minister during the visit.
Syed Mustafa Kamal met patients receiving treatment under the program, inquired about their health, and sought feedback regarding the quality of medical services. Patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment, hospital facilities, and administrative support being provided. The minister also expressed satisfaction with the standard of healthcare services and patient care at the hospital.
Highlighting the growing healthcare needs of the federal capital, the minister noted that Islamabad’s population has surpassed 3.5 million. He added that hospitals in the city also cater to a large number of patients from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas, resulting in increased pressure on both public and private healthcare facilities.
The minister thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for approving the proposal to revive the Health Facilitation Program in the public interest, enabling citizens to once again benefit from free healthcare services.
He informed that the program has been launched in 42 hospitals across the twin cities, allowing eligible patients to receive free medical treatment within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad.
Syed Mustafa Kamal revealed that nearly PKR 2 billion has been spent on patient treatment during the past five months. He said all expenditures and operational activities under the program are being monitored through a real-time data system to ensure transparency and accountability, warning that any irregularities or violations would not be tolerated.
Referring to healthcare financing, the minister stated that the combined federal and provincial health budget amounts to PKR 1,156 billion, yet patient satisfaction remains below 10 percent. Citing findings from a study on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), he said that essential healthcare services could be delivered with resources worth approximately PKR 210 billion, although achieving nationwide coverage would require the establishment of around 5,000 additional hospitals.
The minister emphasized that Universal Health Coverage represents the future of healthcare systems and is already being implemented in many countries worldwide. He warned that any hospital found involved in malpractice, corruption, or violations of program rules would be immediately removed from the scheme.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to healthcare reforms, Syed Mustafa Kamal said all possible measures would be taken to ensure transparency, efficiency, and the provision of quality healthcare services to the public.
