Sehat Sahulat Program Revived in Islamabad
For years, thousands of families in Islamabad have not had access to free healthcare because the program simply wasn’t working. That gap is now closing.
Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced that the Sehat Sahulat Sehat program is officially back in the capital. And this time, officials say transparency will be a top priority.
If you live in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, or even nearby areas, this update could directly affect you and your family. Here’s everything you need to know.
Quick Answer
The Sehat Sahulat program in Islamabad has been revived after years of suspension. It now covers 42 hospitals in the twin cities, offering free treatment for two years in its first phase. Free OPD services are expected to be added in the third year, along with real-time monitoring to prevent corruption.
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Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Sehat Sahulat Health Facilitation Program |
| Announced By | Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal |
| Hospitals Covered | 42 hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi |
| Free Treatment Duration | 2 years (Phase 1) |
| Future Plan | Free OPD from year 3 |
| Spending So Far | Rs. 2 billion (last 5 months) |
| Total Health Budget (Fed + Provincial) | Rs. 1,156 billion |
Why This Revival Matters
The Sehat Sahulat program was once one of Pakistan’s most popular healthcare initiatives. But in Islamabad, it had been on hold for years, leaving a huge gap for patients who couldn’t afford private treatment.
Now it’s making a comeback, and the timing is not random. Kamal made the announcement during a visit to Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, where he met patients face-to-face and reviewed how healthcare services were working on the ground.
He was also blunt about the bigger issue. The minister openly admitted that major reforms were needed in the health sector, and that the current level of spending was not translating into real satisfaction for patients.
How Many Hospitals Are Included?
The program currently covers 42 hospitals across what officials call the “twin cities”, meaning Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
In the first phase:
- Eligible patients will receive completely free medical treatment
- This coverage will last for two years
- Free OPD (Outpatient Department) services are planned starting from the third year
Islamabad’s population has officially crossed 3.5 million, but that number alone doesn’t tell the full story.
The Real Pressure on Islamabad’s Hospitals
Islamabad’s hospitals aren’t just serving residents of Islamabad.
Kamal pointed out that patients regularly travel in from:
- Azad Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Rawalpindi
- Other nearby areas
So while the city’s population is 3.5 million, the actual patient load on these 42 hospitals is far higher. This is exactly why both public and private hospitals have been under serious pressure for years.
Will Corruption Be a Problem Again?
This is probably the question on everyone’s mind. Pakistan has seen health schemes before that looked promising on paper but fell apart due to mismanagement.
This time, Kamal says, things will be different. The government is now collecting real-time data on patient treatment and spending across all participating hospitals.
The warning was clear: Any hospital found violating the program’s rules or engaging in corruption will be immediately delisted. No second chances, at least according to the official statement.
This is a significantly stronger stance than we’ve seen in previous health programs.
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Pakistan’s Healthcare Crisis
Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, Kamal revealed a striking number: 13 million people in Pakistan are currently living below the poverty line.
For these families, free treatment isn’t just a benefit. It’s often the only option they have.
He also shared some budget figures that put things in perspective:
- Rs. 2 billion has already been spent on patient treatment in just the last five months
- The combined federal and provincial health budget stands at Rs. 1,156 billion
- Yet patient satisfaction remains below 10 percent
That gap between spending and satisfaction is the real problem the minister says needs to be addressed.
What Would It Take to Fix Healthcare Nationally?
According to a study cited by Kamal, a budget of about Rs. 210 billion would be required to provide basic health facilities across Pakistan.
But there is a catch. The country will also need 5,000 additional hospitals to make universal coverage realistic.
He described universal health coverage as a direction that most countries are already moving towards, and said that Pakistan needs to move on the same path, as soon as possible.
What This Means for Residents of Islamabad
If you live in Islamabad or nearby areas like Rawalpindi, this update could directly affect you.
- You may now qualify for free treatment at one of the 42 listed hospitals
- Your treatment expenses will be tracked digitally for transparency
- If your local hospital tries to charge unfairly or denies coverage, it can now be reported and penalized
It is not yet confirmed where the full list of all 42 hospitals will be published publicly, so patients are advised to check directly with major government hospitals in their area regarding eligibility.
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FAQs
1. What is the Sehat Sahulat Program in Islamabad?
It’s a government healthcare initiative that provides free medical treatment to eligible patients, recently revived by Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal after years of suspension.
2. How many hospitals are covered under the revived program?
The program currently covers 42 hospitals across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
3. How long will the free treatment last?
In the first phase, free treatment will be available for two years, with free OPD services planned from the third year onward.
4. Who is eligible for free treatment under this program?
The program targets deserving patients, particularly those who cannot afford private healthcare, based on government eligibility criteria.
5. Can patients from outside Islamabad benefit from this program?
Yes. Many patients from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Rawalpindi already use hospitals in Islamabad and may benefit if those hospitals are part of the listed 42.
6. What happens if a hospital is found involved in corruption?
According to Minister Kamal, any hospital violating program rules or involved in corrupt practices will be immediately delisted from the scheme.
7. How much has the government already spent on this program?
Officials say Rs. 2 billion has been spent on patient treatment over the last five months alone.
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Conclusion
The Sehat Sahulat Program has been revived in Islamabad after years of suspension, covering 42 hospitals across Islamabad and Rawalpindi with free treatment for two years.
The government has spent Rs. 2 billion in just five months, and real-time monitoring is now in place. Any hospital caught in corruption will be immediately delisted.
Residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may all qualify. Check with your nearest government hospital to confirm eligibility.