A New Era in Healthcare Access
In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) has partnered with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to launch a pilot outpatient department (OPD) insurance scheme. This initiative marks a major step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized communities in the region.
The agreement was officially signed by Mr Muhammad Ashar, SLIC Divisional Head Health, and Mr Syed Ishtiaq Hussain, SHM Project Director for Gilgit-Baltistan. The event was attended by several key officials, including Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, CEO of SLIC Mr Shoaib Javed Hussain, and Mr Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary Health, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both parties to enhancing public health services in the area.
Expanding Healthcare Coverage
The new OPD insurance scheme aims to provide free outpatient services to patients in selected districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative is a crucial step in improving primary healthcare access, particularly for those who have historically faced challenges in obtaining medical care. The project is financially supported by the German development bank KfW, which has allocated Rs407 million+ for the pilot phase.
Mr Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Over the past few years, Pakistan’s healthcare landscape has transformed, and State Life has been privileged to stand at the centre of this evolution. Through innovation, and a deep sense of national responsibility, we’ve built a foundation where over 180 million Pakistanis have access to quality care and financial protection. The Gilgit-Baltistan OPD initiative continues that journey; extending the reach of healthcare to every corner of our country.”
Implementation and Funding Structure
Initially, the program will be launched in Gilgit, targeting over 68,000 members of marginalized communities identified through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) database. The scheme will eventually be expanded to other districts within Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring broader coverage and impact.
The funding structure of the initiative involves a partnership between KfW and the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. KfW will contribute 90 percent of the funding, while the local government will cover the remaining 10 percent. This arrangement ensures strong local ownership and partnership, which is essential for the sustainability of the program.
Commitment to Public Health Equity
Mr Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary Health, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with SLIC and international partners. He stated, “The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan appreciates the strong partnership with State Life and our international development partners. Through this OPD Insurance Scheme, we are taking a practical step towards ensuring affordable, equitable, and social healthcare for our people.”
This pilot initiative not only reinforces the government’s commitment to public health equity but also highlights SLIC’s growing role as a strategic administrator of national and provincial health insurance programs across Pakistan. By providing financial protection and access to quality care, the scheme represents a vital step in achieving universal healthcare coverage.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot program progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for future healthcare initiatives in other regions of Pakistan. The success of this project could lead to similar partnerships and programs that address the diverse healthcare needs of the population. With continued support from both local and international stakeholders, the future of healthcare in Gilgit-Baltistan looks promising.
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