AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has ordered a fast-track launch of the Health Card to give poor and middle-class families better access to quality healthcare.
PM Rathore Approves Health Card for Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has directed the concerned authorities to formally launch a Health Card facility for people across the region. Chairing a meeting in Muzaffarabad, he said the decision is part of his government’s broader public welfare agenda, which aims to ease the financial burden of medical treatment on ordinary families.
During the meeting, the AJK premier underlined that access to healthcare is a basic right and that the state has a responsibility to support citizens when they face serious illness or medical emergencies. He said the Health Card is being introduced as a practical step to turn this commitment into reality for people living in cities, towns and remote areas of Azad Kashmir.
Relief for Poor and Middle-Class Families
According to the Prime Minister, the Health Card initiative is mainly targeted at poor and middle-class households, who often struggle to afford hospital bills, diagnostic tests and medicines. Even a single medical emergency can push such families into debt, force them to sell assets or delay treatment due to lack of money.
By offering a dedicated health coverage facility, the government hopes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and provide timely access to treatment. Under similar schemes, cardholders are usually able to receive services at selected public and private hospitals without paying the full cost at the counter, as expenses are settled through the programme. PM Rathore said that in AJK, the focus will be on making the system simple and easy to use for ordinary citizens.
Instructions to Speed Up Administrative and Technical Work
During the Muzaffarabad meeting, the AJK Prime Minister instructed officials to speed up all administrative and technical procedures linked to the Health Card rollout. This includes finalising agreements with partner hospitals, upgrading IT systems, training staff and putting in place clear guidelines for eligibility and claims handling.
He stressed that there should be no unnecessary delays in the launch process. Departments concerned have been asked to work in close coordination and remove bureaucratic hurdles so that the facility can be rolled out within the planned timeline. The Prime Minister also emphasised transparent rules and monitoring to ensure that funds are used for patients who genuinely need support.
Better Access to Quality Healthcare Services
PM Rathore said the Health Card is not just about financial protection but also about improving access to quality healthcare services. In many parts of Azad Kashmir, people travel long distances to reach hospitals or specialist doctors. Transport costs, accommodation and lost wages add extra pressure on families already coping with illness.
By linking the card with a network of empanelled hospitals and clinics, the government aims to make it easier for residents to find nearby facilities where they can receive treatment under the scheme. Over time, this can encourage hospitals to improve standards, invest in better equipment and expand services as more patients come through organised health programmes.
Next Steps and What Citizens Should Expect
The AJK government is expected to share further details about the Health Card, including the list of empanelled hospitals, eligibility criteria and the range of treatments covered, once the initial preparations are complete. Authorities are also likely to run awareness campaigns so that people know how to apply for the card and how to use it when they or their family members need medical help.
For now, PM Faisal Mumtaz Rathore’s directive signals a clear policy shift toward stronger social protection in the health sector. If implemented effectively, the Health Card could become a key support tool for vulnerable families in AJK, helping them access critical care without the constant fear of unmanageable medical bills.
