Azad Kashmir PM Orders Launch of Health Card to Improve Access to Healthcare
Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has directed the immediate launch of a Health Card facility aimed at improving healthcare access for the people of the region. The initiative is being described as a major public welfare step, particularly for low-income and middle-class families who often struggle with rising medical costs.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the AJK prime minister in Muzaffarabad. Addressing officials, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right and a key responsibility of the government. He stressed that the Health Card scheme should be implemented efficiently to ensure maximum benefit reaches deserving citizens.
According to the prime minister, the Health Card will enable families to receive medical treatment at designated public and private hospitals without facing financial hardship. The initiative is expected to cover essential medical services, reducing the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses that many households currently face.
Officials briefed the meeting on the proposed framework of the program, including eligibility criteria and implementation mechanisms. The prime minister instructed relevant departments to accelerate preparations and ensure transparency in the rollout process. He also called for strong monitoring to prevent misuse and guarantee that the facility serves its intended purpose.
Healthcare experts view the move as a significant step toward strengthening the healthcare system in Azad Kashmir. By extending financial protection to vulnerable segments of society, the Health Card scheme is expected to improve health outcomes and encourage timely medical treatment.
The launch of the Health Card aligns with broader efforts to enhance social protection and public welfare in the region. Government representatives believe the initiative will not only improve healthcare accessibility but also contribute to social stability by reducing health-related financial stress on families.
As preparations move forward, residents of Azad Kashmir are hopeful that the Health Card facility will bring meaningful change to their lives. The government’s focus on healthcare reform reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive and accessible medical services for sustainable development.
