ISLAMABAD: The major public welfare initiative is quietly reshaping access to healthcare across the country, and millions of citizens may already be eligible without realizing it. The government has introduced an easy mechanism allowing citizens to check their eligibility for free or subsidized medical treatment at both public and private hospitals nationwide.
The Citizens can verify their eligibility by sending their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number via SMS to 8500. Alternatively, eligibility can also be checked by entering CNIC details on the official government website.
Once confirmed, eligible families gain access to a broad network of government and private hospitals enrolled in the program. A complete and updated list of participating hospitals is available online, allowing patients to choose facilities based on location and medical needs.
The primary condition is that the applicant must belong to a low-income household and possess a CNIC registered with NADRA.
The government employees and individuals residing abroad are generally excluded. In contrast, beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) are automatically enrolled, removing the need for additional verification.
Each eligible family can receive up to Rs50,000 annually for secondary medical care and Rs250,000 for tertiary treatment. Ttreatment at selected hospitals is provided free of cost, and patients are also entitled to a travel allowance of up to Rs350 during treatment.
For those proceeding with treatment, required documents include the original CNIC, the health card if already issued, and for children, either a B-Form or marriage registration certificate where applicable.
Under current arrangements, eligible patients are required to pay only 50 percent of the total treatment cost, with the remaining amount covered by the Punjab government.
