Government Approves Sehat Sahulat Program Extension
The federal government has approved a funding allocation of Rs 40.188 billion for the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension, ensuring the continuation of universal health coverage in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. This extension will remain effective for two years, lasting until June 30, 2027, and aims to maintain uninterrupted healthcare access in these regions.
This approval reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare, especially in areas that rely heavily on federal health initiatives. By extending the programme, authorities intend to stabilize healthcare services for millions of residents who depend on state-supported medical coverage for inpatient treatment.
- Rs 40.188 billion allocated for two years
- Coverage limited to AJK, GB, and ICT
- Extension valid until June 30, 2027
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Role of CDWP and ECNEC in the Approval Process
The Central Development Working Party approved the revised cost and scope of the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension during a high-level meeting chaired by the planning minister. After approval, the project was referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council for final endorsement, as required for major federal initiatives.
This structured approval process ensures financial transparency and policy alignment with national development goals. By routing the project through ECNEC, the government aims to maintain fiscal discipline while expanding health coverage.
- CDWP cleared the revised scope and cost
- ECNEC to grant final approval
- Approval part of wider health sector planning
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Prime Minister’s Expected Launch of the Extended Program
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to formally launch the extended Sehat Sahulat Program within the coming days. His involvement highlights the importance of the initiative at the federal level and signals continued political support for social protection policies.
The formal launch will help improve public awareness and ensure smooth implementation across the covered territories. It will also reaffirm the government’s focus on healthcare as a national priority.
- Formal launch expected soon
- Federal leadership backing
- Focus on continuity of services
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Background of the Sehat Sahulat Program
The government originally launched the Sehat Sahulat Program in February 2018 and later expanded it across Pakistan. Its nationwide phase ended in June 2025, after which the government transferred responsibility to provincial authorities, resulting in varied implementation across regions.
On January 2, 2026, the prime minister approved the continuation of the programme beyond June 2025, but only for AJK, GB, and ICT. This selective continuation ensured that federally administered regions continued receiving health coverage without interruption.
- Initial launch in 2018
- Nationwide expansion later
- Limited continuation after June 2025
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Revised Framework Under the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension
Under the revised framework, the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension will be implemented through the federal development budget on a universal basis. This means all eligible residents in the three territories will receive coverage regardless of income level.
The focus of the revised framework is to improve public health outcomes by expanding access to secondary and priority inpatient treatments. This approach aims to strengthen healthcare delivery where private medical costs are often unaffordable.
- Funded through the development budget
- Universal coverage model
- Focus on inpatient care
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Health Coverage and Financial Protection for Families
The programme provides health insurance coverage for indoor healthcare services to all permanent resident families in the covered districts. Eligibility will be verified through NADRA records to ensure accurate beneficiary identification.
Officials estimate that the programme can reduce out-of-pocket and catastrophic hospitalization expenses by up to 60 percent. This financial protection is especially critical for low-income households facing rising medical costs.
- Indoor healthcare coverage
- NADRA-based verification
- Reduced hospital expenses
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Sehat Sahulat Program and the Uraan Pakistan Initiative
The Sehat Sahulat Program Extension is a core component of the Uraan Pakistan social sector initiative. This broader initiative focuses on improving access to essential services, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities.
By linking health coverage with Uraan Pakistan, the government aims to promote equity and long-term human development. Healthcare access is viewed as a foundation for economic stability and social progress.
- Part of the Uraan Pakistan initiative
- Focus on equity and inclusion
- Support for vulnerable groups
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Policy Corrections and Renaming of the Program
During the approval meeting, concerns were raised about past misuse of resources when the programme expanded to affluent segments in certain regions. This expansion had limited access for those most in need, prompting a policy reassessment.
As a corrective step, authorities directed that the programme be renamed to its original title, the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme. The change emphasizes a renewed focus on protecting vulnerable populations and strengthening the social safety net.
- Addressing misuse of resources
- Renaming to the original title
- Refocus on deserving families
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Other Health Projects Approved Alongside the Program
The Sehat Sahulat Program Extension was approved as part of five health sector projects worth Rs 79.35 billion. Three smaller projects valued at Rs 12.5 billion were approved directly under CDWP’s financial powers.
Two major projects worth Rs 56.8 billion, including the Sehat Sahulat Program and the Jinnah Hospital Polyclinic-II project in Islamabad, were referred to ECNEC for final approval. This reflects a broader push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
| Project Name | Amount (Rs Billion) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sehat Sahulat Program Extension | 40.188 | Referred to ECNEC |
| Jinnah Hospital Polyclinic-II | 15.95 | Referred to ECNEC |
| Other Health Projects | 12.5 | Approved by CDWP |
Regions Covered Under the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension
The extension applies exclusively to three federally administered territories. These regions rely on federal funding and oversight for healthcare services.
| Region | Coverage Type | Valid Until |
|---|---|---|
| AJK | Universal Health Coverage | June 30, 2027 |
| Gilgit Baltistan | Universal Health Coverage | June 30, 2027 |
| Islamabad Capital Territory | Universal Health Coverage | June 30, 2027 |
FAQs
What is the Sehat Sahulat Program Extension?
It is a two-year continuation of federal health insurance coverage for AJK, GB, and ICT, valid until June 30, 2027.
How much funding has been approved for the programme?
The government has approved Rs 40.188 billion to support healthcare services under the extension.
Who is eligible for coverage under the programme?
All permanent resident families in the covered regions are eligible, verified through NADRA records.
What healthcare services are included?
The programme mainly covers indoor and inpatient healthcare services at approved hospitals.
Why was the programme renamed?
It was renamed to refocus resources on vulnerable groups and restore its original welfare-oriented mission.
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