THE facility of health cards is not avail-able to the residents of Islamabad, which severely hinders their access to quality healthcare at major hospitals within the city. Islamabad is home to three prominent public-sector hospitals that provide free treatment to citizens from other provinces. However, the residents of Islamabad, despite facing logistical and financial difficulties, are required to pay for their treatment at these hospitals.

This situation poses a significant cha-llenge, particularly to the elderly citizens and retired employees, who find it extr-emely difficult to afford heavy expenses in the shape of numerous laboratory tests and medical treatment.

Those at the helm of affairs should address this long-standing issue promptly by providing health card facility to all the residents of Islamabad. This will enable them to avail free-of-charge treatment at various prominent hospitals.

Yousuf Aziz
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025