Cancer Patients to Receive Free Medicines Worth Rs. 10 Million. Cancer patients in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan have received major relief after the Government of Pakistan announced a landmark healthcare initiative that will provide free cancer medicines worth nearly Rs. 10 million per patient. The programme has been launched under a five-year public-private partnership aimed at reducing the heavy financial burden of cancer treatment on low-income families.
This move is being widely seen as one of the most significant healthcare support measures for cancer patients in recent years.
Government and Roche Sign Historic Healthcare Agreement
The initiative was formally launched after the Ministry of National Health Services signed an agreement with Roche, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company, on Friday.
Under the agreement:
- The Government of Pakistan will contribute Rs. 1 million per patient
- Roche will provide medicines worth Rs. 9 million per patient
- Total support per patient will reach approximately Rs. 10 million
- The programme will continue for five years
The partnership is expected to benefit thousands of cancer patients during its implementation period.
Who Will Benefit From the Free Cancer Medicines Programme?
According to officials, the programme will specifically support cancer patients from:
- Islamabad
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
Treatment facilities will be available at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which will serve as the main treatment center for eligible patients under this initiative.
Patients diagnosed with the following types of cancer will be prioritised:
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
These cancers are among the most expensive to treat and often place families under severe financial stress.
Health Secretary Highlights Long-Term Impact
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, Federal Health Secretary, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to life-saving treatment.
He explained that the partnership would remain active for five years and would help thousands of patients who otherwise could not afford cancer medicines.
He further stated that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to address major healthcare challenges in Pakistan.
Cancer Treatment Costs Push Millions Into Poverty
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal described the initiative as a crucial step toward protecting vulnerable families from financial collapse.
He revealed that:
- Nearly 13 million Pakistanis have fallen below the poverty line due to illness-related expenses
- Cancer treatment alone costs around Rs. 9.8 million per patient over five years
- Many families are forced to sell assets or take loans to continue treatment
According to the minister, the new programme aims to ease both the financial and emotional burden faced by cancer patients and their families.
Treatment Available at PIMS Islamabad
All eligible patients under this programme will receive treatment at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The hospital will provide:
- Oncology consultations
- Approved cancer medicines
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
Patients from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be referred through official channels to ensure transparent and fair access to treatment.
Public-Private Partnership Model Strengthens Healthcare
This initiative follows a public-private partnership model, which combines government support with private sector expertise and resources.
Healthcare experts believe this model:
- Improves access to high-cost medicines
- Reduces pressure on public hospitals
- Ensures sustainability of long-term treatment programmes
- Encourages future collaborations in other medical fields
The partnership with Roche also ensures that patients receive international-standard cancer medicines without cost.
Focus on Prevention Alongside Treatment
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasised that healthcare reform is not limited to treatment alone. He said the government is also focusing on prevention, including:
- Access to clean drinking water
- Early disease detection
- Public health awareness campaigns
According to him, preventing disease is just as important as providing treatment, especially in a country where healthcare costs can devastate families.
Prime Minister’s Vision for Healthcare Reform
The health minister credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for ongoing improvements in the healthcare sector. He noted that cancer does not affect individuals alone but impacts entire families emotionally, socially, and financially.
The goal of the programme, he said, is to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because they cannot afford it.
Why This Initiative Matters for Pakistan
This programme is significant because:
- Cancer medicines are among the most expensive treatments in Pakistan
- Many patients discontinue treatment due to financial hardship
- Access to free medicines can significantly improve survival rates
- It sets a precedent for future large-scale healthcare partnerships
For patients in remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, access to advanced cancer care has long been a challenge. This initiative directly addresses that gap.
Expected Impact Over the Next Five Years
Over the next five years, the programme is expected to:
- Support thousands of cancer patients
- Reduce poverty caused by medical expenses
- Improve cancer survival outcomes
- Strengthen trust in public healthcare institutions
- Encourage similar partnerships with other pharmaceutical companies
Conclusion
The decision to provide free cancer medicines worth Rs. 10 million per patient marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s healthcare system. Through collaboration between the Ministry of National Health Services and Roche, the government has taken a strong step toward making life-saving treatment accessible to those who need it most.
