ISLAMABAD: While not a single new health scheme has been included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26, Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday claimed that considering the current economic challenges the government had made every effort to allocate a commendable budget for the health sector.

According to the budget document, not a single new health scheme has been included in the upcoming financial year’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). However allocations have been made for some ongoing projects which include Development of Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS), establishment of four basic health units (BHUs) in Islamabad, establishment of Jinnah Hospital at G-11/3 and implementation of National Action Plan on Population (2021-26).

Besides, allocations have been made for some other ongoing programmes including establishment of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hospital Tarlai, Cancer Hospital, Islamabad, strengthening common management unit (TB, HIV/Aids and malaria) and acceleration response to control the three diseases, strengthening of the drug control section of the health department, establishment of stroke intervention and expansion of critical care/cardiac facilities at Pims, setting up of infectious disease laboratory (IDL), Prime Minister national programmes for elimination of hepatitis C infection and control of diabetes as well as Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre.

Allocations made only for ongoing health projects

The minister acknowledged the limitations faced by the government in allocating funds for the health sector, but emphasised that every effort had been made to prioritise healthcare despite economic constraints.

He also expressed the government’s commitment to completing ongoing development projects in the health sector.

“We will try our best to complete all ongoing development projects on health,” he said.

He said the government would prioritise the timely completion of these projects, which would ultimately benefit the healthcare system and the public.

The minister also emphasised that the government had made every effort to allocate sufficient funds for the health sector, considering the current economic constraints.

“We understand the importance of a robust health sector, and we have done our best to prioritise it within the limitations we face. The budget allocation may not be perfect, but it is a step in the right direction, Mustafa Kamal said.

When talking about potential improvements for the next budget, he said: “We are working tirelessly to identify areas where we can optimise our resources and make a more significant impact.”

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2025