Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah on Thursday said that the government was committed to expand healthcare support for underprivileged patients as part of its broader poverty alleviation agenda.
Minister reiterates commitment to expand healthcare support to underprivileged patients
ISLAMABAD, Apr 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah on Thursday said that the government was committed to expand healthcare support for underprivileged patients as part of its broader poverty alleviation agenda.
He expressed these views during his visit to the Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) INMOL, where he reviewed welfare initiatives being implemented through Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) for cancer patients.
The minister was received by officials of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), including Member Science Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, and Director INMOL Dr. Amira Shami.
INMOL operates under PAEC as one of the country’s leading cancer care institutions, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
Praising the role of PAEC hospitals, the minister said they were doing commendable work in providing quality cancer care.
He reiterated that the government would enhance the outreach of PBM and similar social safety initiatives through increased budgetary allocations, said a news release.
Highlighting recent reforms, he said the Individual Medical Assistance under PBM has been increased from Rs 1 million to Rs1.5 million. Clarifying the nature of support, he noted that PBM funds were not Zakat or charity but government-endowed assistance for deserving patients, and directed authorities to refer maximum patients for treatment support.
The officials briefed that PBM’s medical assistance had shown steady growth, with Rs17.7 million disbursed to 82 patients in 2022–23, around Rs20 million to 431 patients in 2023–24, and approximately Rs30 million to 256 patients in 2024–25.
During the ongoing financial year 2025–26 (up to March), Rs14.8 million had already been provided to 223 patients.
The minister directed that the disbursement mechanism be made more efficient and hassle-free for ensuring timely treatment.
During the briefing, Dr. Rofi highlighted that PAEC operates a network of 21 cancer hospitals nationwide, catering to nearly 80 percent of cancer patients. He also noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency has recently designated INMOL as a Collaborating Centre for the region.
Dr. Amira Shami informed that the number of patients availing PBM support had declined due to the availability of alternative schemes such as health cards. The minister asked the hospital to propose measures to make PBM as accessible and convenient as these alternatives.
Later, the minister visited various sections of the hospital, reviewed PBM-supported services, and interacted with patients to assess the effectiveness of welfare initiatives. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare and social protection for vulnerable segments of society.
