The federal government of Pakistan has decided not to provide any funding for provincial health coverage including health insurance schemes. This decision aligns with the 18th Constitutional Amendment which devolved health responsibilities to provincial governments. The move was confirmed after high-level policy discussions and approvals concerning national health programs.
Reason Behind the Decision
The government stated that health is a provincial subject giving provinces the authority to plan finance and manage health services independently. Following this principle federal funding for provincial health schemes has been discontinued to reinforce the constitutional devolution of health responsibilities.
Federal Program Focus
The Prime Minister’s Sehat Sahulat Programme will continue only for federally administered territories such as Islamabad Capital Territory Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Extensions of the program to provincial districts have not been approved.
Directive to Provinces
Provinces have been asked to develop their own health insurance and protection schemes based on a contributory model where citizens employers or both contribute premiums. This ensures that provinces take responsibility for providing sustainable health coverage independently of federal funds.
Implications of the Decision
This policy shift is expected to make provinces financially and administratively responsible for health coverage. It could lead to new provincial health insurance models or reforms while the federal government will focus on policy guidance and federal programs for directly administered territories.
