In a major step towards enhancing access to healthcare, the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC), in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), held a formal signing ceremony for the Pilot Outpatient Department (OPD) Insurance Scheme in Gilgit.
The agreement was formally signed by Mr. Muhammad Ashar, SLIC Divisional Head Health, alongside Mr. Syed Ishtiaq Hussain, SHM Project Director Gilgit Baltistan. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC, as well as Mr. Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary Health, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The initiative introduces free OPD services for patients in selected districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a significant milestone in improving primary healthcare access in the region. The project is financially supported by the German development bank KfW, which has allocated Rs. 407 million+ for the pilot phase.
“Over the past few years, Pakistan’s healthcare landscape has transformed, and State Life has been privileged to stand at the centre of this evolution,” said Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC. “Through innovation, and a deep sense of national responsibility, we’ve built a foundation where over 180 million Pakistanis have access to quality care and financial protection. The Gilgit-Baltistan OPD initiative continues that journey; extending the reach of healthcare to every corner of our country.”
Initially, the program will be launched in Gilgit, covering over 68,000 members of marginalized communities identified through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) database. The scheme will subsequently be expanded to other districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Under the financial arrangement, KfW will contribute 90% of the funding, while the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan will finance the remaining 10%, ensuring strong local partnership and ownership.
“The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan appreciates the strong partnership with State Life and our international development partners. Through this OPD Insurance Scheme, we are taking a practical step towards ensuring affordable, equitable, and social healthcare for our people,” said Mr. Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary Health, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The pilot OPD Insurance Scheme reinforces the Government’s commitment to public health equity and emphasizes State Life’s growing role as a strategic administrator of national and provincial health insurance programs across Pakistan.
