Pakistan Allocates Billions to Combat Hepatitis and Diabetes in 2024-25 Health Budget

M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: The federal government of pakistan has proposed an allocation of Rs. 27.86 billion for the health sector for the financial year 2024-25, up from Rs. 24.21 billion in the outgoing financial year. This includes substantial investments in new health initiatives, particularly targeting the elimination of Hepatitis C and the prevention of diabetes.Pakistan Budget FY25 – Stock market measures; Positive for market

For the first time in history, the federal government has allocated Rs. 5 billion for the Prime Minister’s National Program for the Elimination of Hepatitis C. This ambitious Rs. 70.84 billion project aims to eliminate Hepatitis C (HCV) infections from Pakistan. The federal and provincial governments will equally share the cost, each contributing Rs. 35.42 billion over five years.

The project plans to screen 69.028 million people aged 12 and above, conduct diagnostic confirmations (PCR) for 5.155 million, and treat 4.124 million individuals. It also includes developing an information system, capacity building, supply chain management, monitoring & evaluation, and behavior change communication. The program will support provinces in handling 50 percent of their screening, testing, and treatment, with the provinces covering the remaining burden.

Similarly, Rs. 2 billion has been allocated for the Prime Minister’s National Program for the Prevention of Diabetes. According to the Annual Plan 2024-25, this program aims to prevent, diagnose, and treat diabetes through awareness campaigns, diagnostic services at primary healthcare facilities, and referrals for treatment at higher-level facilities. The initiative includes providing diagnostic kits, procuring medicines, training healthcare workers, and conducting advocacy and communication campaigns.CCP Probes Poultry Firms Cartelization

In addition to these major health initiatives, the government has approved 14 new schemes worth Rs. 19.86 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). A total of Rs. 27 billion has been allocated for 41 ongoing and new schemes, including Rs. 7.2 billion for ongoing projects.

A significant portion of the health budget, Rs. 21.63 billion, will be used to maintain hospital services. However, only Rs. 891 million will be allocated for public health services, down from Rs. 3.11 billion in the previous year. The administrative costs for the health sector are projected to be Rs. 5.3 billion, up from Rs. 4.5 billion in 2023-24. The government has also earmarked Rs. 32 million for procuring medical products, appliances, and equipment.

The budget includes Rs. 5 billion for constructing the Quaid-e-Azam Health Tower at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad, a Rs. 15 billion project to be developed under a public-private partnership.

Sehat Sahulat Program: The federal government has allocated Rs. 295 million for the National Health Support Project for Ensuring Universal Health Coverage in Federating Areas. Despite the ECNEC’s approval of the revised project on February 7, 2024, at a total cost of Rs. 25.598 billion, the government will only continue providing assistance to the population below the poverty line without compromising the current benefit package. The Sehat Sahulat Program is expected to shift from a development budget to a self-sustaining setup.

Other New Schemes: The federal government has also allocated Rs. 2.050 billion for procuring equipment for a cancer hospital in Islamabad, Rs. 3 billion for establishing stroke intervention and expanding critical care facilities at PIMS, Rs. 1.5 billion for strengthening and upgrading cardiology and other services at the Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC) Islamabad, and Rs. 100 million for strengthening the drug control section of the health department ICT Islamabad to ensure safe and quality medicines for the residents of Islamabad.

Health Insurance for Journalists: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb announced a health insurance scheme for journalists and media workers while presenting the Federal Budget 2024-25 in the National Assembly. Under this scheme, 5,000 journalists and media workers will receive health insurance, with an additional 10,000 benefiting in the second phase.