On January 9 2026 Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal signed a landmark agreement with Roche Pakistan the local branch of the Swiss pharmaceutical company. The agreement was signed in Islamabad and marks a major step toward providing free cancer treatment to patients who cannot afford costly medicines.
The Agreement
Under this agreement Roche Pakistan will supply expensive cancer medicines while covering 70 percent of the cost and the Government of Pakistan will cover the remaining 30 percent. This cost sharing arrangement ensures that patients receive treatment completely free of charge.
Purpose of the Program
The primary goal of the initiative is to provide high quality cancer treatment to low income and underserved patients. By reducing the financial burden the program aims to improve patient survival rates and ensure that expensive treatments do not remain out of reach for those in need.
First Phase Rollout
In the initial phase approximately 745 patients from Islamabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will receive free medicines. This first rollout is designed to lay the foundation for broader coverage across other regions of Pakistan in the future.
Cost of Cancer Treatment
The Federal Health Minister highlighted that the cost of treating a single cancer patient can reach PKR 9.8 million around 34588 dollars which is unaffordable for most families. This program removes the financial barrier ensuring that patients can access necessary treatment without economic hardship.
Cancer Situation in Pakistan
Cancer is a major public health issue in Pakistan. Every year over 185000 new cases are diagnosed and approximately 125000 people die from cancer. The most common types include breast cancer lip and oral cavity cancer and lung cancer highlighting the urgent need for affordable treatment.
Statements from the Ceremony
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that Roche Pakistan has committed to covering 70 percent of treatment costs ensuring patients receive free medicines. Roche Pakistan’s Managing Director added that this is only the first step and they plan to expand patient coverage increase awareness campaigns and support early diagnosis programs in the future.
Summary
This agreement represents a major milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare system. Initially 745 patients will benefit with costs shared between Roche 70 percent and the government 30 percent. The initiative provides free life saving cancer treatment to those in need and lays the groundwork for expanded healthcare support and cancer care access across Pakistan.
