Health sector allocated Rs22bn in development budget
Shahzad Paracha:
Islamabad:The federal government has proposed a development budget of Rs22 billion for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal year under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, with funding earmarked for disease prevention, hospital upgrades and key national healthcare initiatives.
The government has proposed a total development budget of Rs22 billion for the health sector in the next financial year. The allocation includes funding for 21 ongoing projects and 12 new projects across various areas of healthcare and public health management.
Of the total amount, Rs2.64 billion has been proposed for new projects, while Rs19.36 billion has been earmarked for ongoing national health initiatives.
New healthcare projects receive fresh funding
Among the new projects, the government has proposed Rs1.2976 billion for the Islamabad Cancer Hospital.
The budget also includes Rs1.5 billion for the Prime Minister’s Anti-Hepatitis C Programme and Rs1 billion for the Prime Minister’s Anti-Diabetes Programme.
In addition, Rs1.083 billion has been proposed for the development of an Integrated Disease Surveillance System aimed at strengthening disease monitoring and public health response mechanisms.
Major focus on ongoing health projects
A significant portion of the health sector budget will be spent on projects already under implementation. The Islamabad Cancer Hospital is set to receive an additional Rs1.298 billion under ongoing development allocations.
Meanwhile, Rs1.5 billion has been proposed for the Jinnah Hospital Polyclinic project in Islamabad.
The National Institute of Health’s Infectious Diseases Laboratory has been allocated Rs1 billion in the proposed budget. A further Rs500 million has been earmarked for the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center in Islamabad.
The government has also proposed Rs1.5 billion for the expansion of stroke and critical care facilities at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Equipment, national health programme
To support healthcare infrastructure, Rs1.5 billion has been allocated for the purchase of equipment for Islamabad Cancer Hospital. The Prime Minister’s National Health Programme is proposed to receive Rs2 billion under the development budget.
These allocations are intended to strengthen healthcare services and improve access to medical treatment.
Despite broader health sector spending, some critical areas have received relatively modest allocations. Only Rs140 million has been proposed for strengthening the Drug Control Section in Islamabad.
Similarly, the National Population Action Plan has been allocated Rs500 million in the proposed development budget.
Funding for disease control programmes
The budget also includes Rs500 million for programmes focused on controlling HIV, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
Officials view these initiatives as essential for addressing major public health challenges and strengthening disease prevention efforts nationwide.
The proposed health sector budget highlights the government’s focus on expanding healthcare infrastructure, improving disease surveillance and supporting major national health programmes.
With funding directed toward hospitals, laboratories, disease control and specialized treatment facilities, the development budget aims to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system during FY2026-27.
