GB Launches Free OPD Health Insurance

The Gilgit-Baltistan government, in collaboration with the German government, has introduced a complimentary outpatient department (OPD) health insurance program aimed at enhancing affordable access to essential healthcare services for impoverished and deserving families. The pilot project, overseen by the GB health department with assistance from KfW, a German state-owned investment and development bank, was inaugurated at a ceremony held on the regional Independence Day at the GB Chief Minister's Secretariat.

The event was graced by GB CM Amjad Hussain, Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman, Health Minister Iqbal Hassan, various ministers, the health secretary, and officials from partnering organizations. GB CM Amjad Hussain emphasized that the scheme represented a significant step forward in bolstering primary healthcare services within the region, stating that the primary goal was to ensure that eligible families could access crucial medical facilities without enduring an unbearable financial strain.

He expressed gratitude for the German government's commitment to ongoing support during the subsequent phases of the program, highlighting that such partnership would contribute to improving healthcare services and fortifying the region's health infrastructure. The chief minister revealed that the pilot project would initially cater to approximately 67,000 individuals, with plans to expand the initiative to other districts in subsequent stages.

He reiterated the GB government's commitment to establishing a universal healthcare system that would guarantee access to high-quality medical services for all citizens. To address the existing shortage of doctors in GB, the chief minister announced the commencement of classes at a proposed medical college the following year, providing local students with opportunities to pursue medical education.