Government Announces Major Expansion of PM Health Card for 2026
The federal government has announced a major expansion of the Prime Minister Health Card for the year 2026, calling it one of the biggest public welfare steps in Pakistan’s healthcare history. Under the new phase, the government aims to extend free medical treatment facilities to 1 crore (10 million) families across the country.
According to official details, the expanded scheme will provide free treatment worth up to Rs 10 lakh per family per year, helping millions of citizens who cannot afford expensive medical care. The new phase of the program is set to begin from January 16, 2026.
What Is the PM Health Card?
The Prime Minister Health Card, also known as the Sehat Sahulat Program, is a government-funded health insurance scheme designed to offer free treatment to deserving families. The program was first launched in January 2016 and has gradually expanded over the years.
Under this scheme, eligible families can receive treatment at government and private hospitals without paying from their own pockets. The government directly pays the hospital bills, reducing the financial burden on poor and middle-income households.
Major Expansion Announced for 2026
The latest announcement confirms that the government plans to significantly increase the reach and coverage of the PM Health Card in 2026. The key highlight of the expansion is:
- Coverage for 1 crore families nationwide
- Rs 10 lakh free treatment limit per family annually
- Availability at both public and private hospitals
- Inclusion of advanced and costly medical procedures
Officials say this expansion reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and reducing poverty caused by medical expenses.
Statement from the Government
The expansion has been announced under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, who has repeatedly emphasized that health is a basic right, not a privilege.
Government representatives stated that many families fall into poverty every year due to high medical costs. The expanded PM Health Card is intended to protect citizens from such financial shocks and ensure dignified healthcare for all.
Treatment Coverage Under PM Health Card
The PM Health Card covers a wide range of serious and high-cost medical treatments. These include, but are not limited to:
- Heart diseases and cardiac surgeries
- Cancer treatment and chemotherapy
- Kidney diseases and dialysis
- Major surgeries
- Accidents and emergency care
- Intensive care services
The program focuses mainly on secondary and tertiary healthcare, where treatment costs are usually unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
Nationwide Coverage Across Pakistan
One of the most important aspects of the PM Health Card expansion is its nationwide coverage. According to official information, the scheme will be active in:
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Balochistan
- Islamabad Capital Territory
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
This ensures that families from both urban and rural areas can benefit equally from the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria Explained
Eligibility for the PM Health Card is generally determined through CNIC-based data systems. In most cases:
- Only one card per family is issued
- Eligibility is linked to government databases
- No registration fee is required
Citizens can check their eligibility by using official government channels or helplines. The government has stressed that no agent or payment is required to obtain the card.
How to Use the PM Health Card
Using the PM Health Card is a simple process:
- Visit a panel hospital registered under the scheme
- Present your CNIC or Health Card at the hospital desk
- Hospital staff verifies eligibility
- Treatment begins without any upfront payment
The entire billing process is handled between the hospital and the government, ensuring transparency and ease for patients.
Role of Private Hospitals
Unlike many welfare schemes, the PM Health Card allows treatment at selected private hospitals, which has increased its popularity. Many citizens prefer private facilities due to better infrastructure and shorter waiting times.
The government reimburses private hospitals according to pre-approved treatment rates, ensuring standardization and preventing overcharging.
Economic and Social Impact
Health experts believe the expansion of the PM Health Card will have a strong positive impact on Pakistan’s economy and society.
Reduced Poverty
Medical expenses are one of the biggest reasons families fall into debt. Free treatment helps protect households from financial collapse.
Better Health Outcomes
Early diagnosis and timely treatment improve survival rates and overall public health.
Increased Trust in Public Welfare
Large-scale welfare programs strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
Challenges and Concerns
While the expansion has been widely welcomed, experts have raised some concerns:
- Hospital capacity pressure due to increased patient load
- Timely payments to private hospitals
- Risk of misuse or fake claims
- Need for strong monitoring systems
The government has assured that new digital monitoring tools and audits will be introduced to address these issues.
Comparison with Past Phases
Compared to earlier phases, the 2026 expansion stands out due to:
- Higher treatment limits
- Wider geographic coverage
- Increased number of beneficiaries
- Better hospital network
Officials say lessons learned from previous phases have helped improve the system.
Public Reaction
Public reaction to the announcement has been largely positive. Many citizens have called it a lifesaving initiative, especially for families dealing with chronic illnesses.
Social media users have praised the focus on healthcare but have also urged the government to ensure smooth implementation and transparency.
Helpline and Support
For information and complaints, citizens can contact the official helpline:
- PM Health Card Helpline: 0800-09009
Authorities advise citizens to rely only on official sources and avoid middlemen or fake messages.
Govt PM Health Card 2026 Online Registration
The government has made the PM Health Card 2026 online registration process simple and citizen-friendly. Eligible families do not need to visit offices or pay any fee. Registration and verification are mainly done through official government databases linked with CNIC records. Citizens are advised to rely only on official platforms and avoid agents or fake links claiming to offer registration services.
Govt PM Health Card 2026 Registration
Govt PM Health Card 2026 registration is based on family eligibility data already available with government authorities. In most cases, families are automatically registered if they meet the criteria. If a family is eligible, they can use the health card directly at panel hospitals without completing any additional paperwork or manual registration process.
Govt PM Health Card 2026 Apply Online
Many citizens search for how to apply online for PM Health Card 2026, but it is important to clarify that no separate online application form is required for most users. The scheme works through CNIC verification. Once eligibility is confirmed, treatment can be availed instantly at registered hospitals. Any website asking for payment or personal details should be avoided.
Govt PM Health Card 2026 Login
There is no public login account required for ordinary citizens under the PM Health Card 2026. Hospitals and government departments use internal systems to verify eligibility. Citizens only need their original CNIC when visiting a panel hospital. If someone faces issues, they should contact the official helpline instead of trying unofficial login portals.
Govt PM Health Card 2026 Check
Citizens can check PM Health Card 2026 eligibility using official government channels. Eligibility is usually checked through CNIC at hospitals or via helpline support. The government has advised people to verify their status before treatment to avoid confusion. Eligibility checks are free and do not require any agent.
GEPCO Health Card
The term GEPCO Health Card is often searched by employees and pensioners, but it is important to note that GEPCO employee medical facilities are separate from the PM Health Card scheme. However, eligible families of employees may still benefit from the PM Health Card if they meet national eligibility criteria. Official confirmation should always be obtained through authorized departments.
How to Register Hospital for Sehat Card
Hospitals wishing to join the Sehat Card program must apply through official government health authorities. Both public and private hospitals can be registered after fulfilling required standards, infrastructure, and service quality checks. Once approved, hospitals are added to the panel list and can start offering free treatment to eligible health card holders.
Health Card Helpline Number
For complaints, eligibility checks, and guidance, the government has provided an official PM Health Card helpline number: 0800-09009. Citizens are encouraged to contact this helpline for accurate information. The government has warned that no SMS, call, or agent demanding money is associated with the PM Health Card scheme.
Conclusion – PM Health Card for 2026
The major expansion of the PM Health Card for 2026 marks a significant step toward universal healthcare access in Pakistan. By extending free treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family to 1 crore families, the government aims to reduce inequality and protect citizens from the rising cost of medical care.
If implemented effectively, this initiative could become one of Pakistan’s most impactful social welfare programs, offering hope and relief to millions of families across the country.
