Gilgit-Baltistan Launches Free OPD Health Insurance with German Support

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has launched a free outpatient department (OPD) health insurance scheme aimed at improving healthcare access for underprivileged families in the region. The pilot project, supported by the German government through the state-owned development bank KfW, was inaugurated at a ceremony held at the GB Chief Minister's Secretariat to coincide with the region's Independence Day.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive free healthcare services through OPD Sehat Hifazat Cards. The scheme is being implemented by the GB health department and is expected to benefit around 67,000 people in its initial phase, with plans to extend it to other districts progressively.

The launch ceremony was attended by GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman, Health Minister Iqbal Hassan, other ministers, the health secretary, and officials from partner organisations. Speaking at the event, the chief minister described the initiative as an important milestone in improving primary healthcare services in the region.

"Our objective is to ensure that deserving families have easier access to essential medical facilities without facing an unbearable financial burden," he said. He also welcomed the German government's assurance of continued cooperation during the third and fourth phases of the project, noting that the partnership would help strengthen the region's health system.

The chief minister said the GB government's priority is to introduce a universal healthcare system that guarantees quality medical facilities for every citizen. To this end, he said cooperation between the Sindh government and the GB health department would be further strengthened to facilitate free treatment for deserving patients from the region at major hospitals in Sindh.

Additionally, he announced that classes at the proposed medical college would begin next year to address the shortage of doctors in Gilgit-Baltistan and provide talented local students with opportunities to pursue medical education. The OPD insurance scheme marks a significant step toward reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for low-income households in the region.