The government has proposed a Rs22 billion development budget for the health sector under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, reflecting a continued focus on improving healthcare services across the country. The proposed allocation covers 33 projects, including 21 ongoing schemes and 12 new initiatives aimed at enhancing medical facilities, disease control, and public health management.
According to budget proposals, Rs19.36 billion has been earmarked for ongoing projects, while Rs2.64 billion has been allocated for new healthcare initiatives. The funding plan highlights the government’s intention to complete existing projects while also investing in new programmes that can improve healthcare access and strengthen the country’s medical infrastructure.
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Among the key new initiatives, the Islamabad Cancer Hospital has been allocated Rs1.2976 billion, while the Prime Minister’s Anti-Hepatitis C Programme and Anti-Diabetes Programme are set to receive Rs1.5 billion and Rs1 billion respectively. In addition, the government has proposed Rs1.083 billion for an Integrated Disease Surveillance System to improve disease monitoring and strengthen public health response capabilities nationwide.
A major share of the budget will support ongoing healthcare projects, including Rs1.5 billion for the Jinnah Hospital Polyclinic project in Islamabad and Rs1 billion for the National Institute of Health’s Infectious Diseases Laboratory. Furthermore, the government has allocated Rs500 million for the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center and Rs1.5 billion for expanding stroke and critical care facilities at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
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The proposed budget also includes Rs1.5 billion for medical equipment at Islamabad Cancer Hospital and Rs2 billion for the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme. These allocations aim to improve treatment facilities, enhance patient care, and increase the capacity of public healthcare institutions to meet growing medical needs across the country.
Despite the broader investment in healthcare, some sectors have received comparatively smaller allocations. The Drug Control Section in Islamabad is proposed to receive Rs140 million, while the National Population Action Plan has been allocated Rs500 million. Additionally, Rs500 million has been earmarked for programmes targeting HIV, AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling major public health challenges while strengthening the healthcare system during the next fiscal year.