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Pakistan Unveils Nationwide Health Insurance Scheme Covering 80% of Population

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 23:15 GMT by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

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Pakistan Launches a Nationwide Health Insurance Scheme: What You Need to Know

In a landmark move that could reshape the country’s public health landscape, Pakistan’s federal government unveiled a comprehensive National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme on Friday, 15 April 2025. The announcement, made at a joint press conference by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Minister for Health Dr. Farzana Abbas, and the Chairman of the National Health Commission, Dr. Anwar Siddiq, comes after years of public demand for a more inclusive, affordable health‑care framework that can protect the country’s millions from crippling medical costs.

Key Features of the New Scheme

The NHI plan, according to the Ministry of Health, will cover more than 80 % of the country’s population, with a focus on low‑income and rural households. The main pillars of the scheme are:

“The aim of the NHI is to build a safety net that ensures no Pakistani is denied essential medical care because of their economic status,” said Dr. Farzana Abbas. “We are moving from a fragmented system to a unified, accessible health‑care service for all.”

Funding and Sustainability

A central concern for many observers has been the sustainability of such an expansive program. The Ministry’s finance team explained that the NHI will be financed through a new “Health Equity Fund” that will pool resources from both the federal and provincial governments. The fund will also draw from a 0.5 % levy on the country’s gross national income, targeted at corporate entities and large financial institutions. In addition, the government will negotiate with international donors and the World Bank to secure technical assistance and concessional loans.

“We are committed to maintaining fiscal prudence while ensuring that the health needs of our citizens are met,” said the Minister. “The projected cost of the program is approximately 4 % of the national GDP, which is comparable to other health‑insurance models worldwide.”

Reactions from Stakeholders

The announcement has sparked a wave of enthusiasm from civil society groups and health‑care advocates, but also cautious scrutiny from industry and political opponents.

• Health Professionals’ Union: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council welcomed the move but cautioned that the success of the program hinges on adequate staffing and infrastructure upgrades. “We urge the government to increase the number of medical professionals, especially in rural areas, to meet the surge in demand,” the council said.

• Private Hospital Association: While open to collaboration, the association expressed concerns over reimbursement rates. “We need a transparent, data‑driven approach to determine fair payment structures to sustain our facilities,” said the association’s president, Dr. Amir Qureshi.

• Political Opposition: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the scheme as “overambitious and fiscally irresponsible.” “The government must conduct a detailed cost‑benefit analysis before committing to such a large expenditure,” said PTI leader, Shah Rafiq.

Context: Health Care in Pakistan

Pakistan’s health system has long been plagued by uneven access, inadequate funding, and high out‑of‑pocket expenses. The World Bank estimates that nearly 10 % of households face catastrophic health expenditures annually. The new NHI scheme is seen as a direct response to these systemic challenges, aiming to shift the burden from individual patients to a shared, government‑backed safety net.

In 2023, the government launched a “Health for All” pilot program in three provinces, which showed a 25 % reduction in out‑of‑pocket spending for participating households. The NHI builds on these successes, scaling up coverage and integrating digital health solutions.

Implementation Timeline

The Ministry of Health has outlined a phased implementation plan:

1. Phase 1 (2025–2026) – Roll‑out in six major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Faisalabad).
2. Phase 2 (2027–2028) – Expansion to all urban districts and selected rural districts with high health‑care deficits.
3. Phase 3 (2029–2030) – Nationwide coverage with full integration into the existing health‑care infrastructure.

A national task force, comprising health officials, IT specialists, and community representatives, has been created to monitor progress and address challenges in real time.

What This Means for Ordinary Citizens

For the average Pakistani, the NHI scheme promises a more affordable and predictable medical experience. Families will no longer need to rely on emergency loans or personal savings for a serious illness. Additionally, preventive services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and maternal check‑ups will be covered, which could lead to improved long‑term health outcomes.

Conclusion

The launch of Pakistan’s National Health Insurance marks a bold stride toward equity and sustainability in the country’s health sector. While the program faces operational and financial hurdles, its potential to alleviate medical debt and improve health outcomes is undeniable. As the government moves forward with implementation, all eyes will be on the scheme’s ability to deliver on its promises and transform the way Pakistanians access health care.