GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government, with support from the German government, has launched a free outpatient department (OPD) health insurance scheme to improve access to essential healthcare services for poor and deserving families.

According to officials, the pilot project is being implemented by the GB health department with support from KfW, a German state-owned investment and development bank. Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive free healthcare services through OPD Sehat Hifazat Cards.

The scheme was launched at a ceremony held at the GB Chief Minister’s Secretariat on the occasion of the region’s Independence Day.

The ceremony was attended by GB CM Amjad Hussain, Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman, Health Minister Iqbal Hassan, other ministers, the health secretary and officials from partner organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the initiative marked 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 welcomed the German government’s assurance of continued cooperation during the third and fourth phases of the project, saying the partnership would help improve healthcare services and strengthen the region’s health system.

He said the pilot project was being launched in GB and would benefit around 67,000 people. The programme would subsequently be extended to other districts in phases.

He said the GB government’s priority was to introduce a universal healthcare system to ensure access to quality medical facilities for every citizen.

“For this purpose, 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,” he added.

He added that classes at the proposed medical college would begin next year to address the shortage of doctors in GB and provide talented local students with opportunities to pursue medical education.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026