LAHORE: The Punjab government has increased the annual allocation for the Punjab Health Foundation (PHF) from Rs70 million to Rs500m in the 2026-27 budget to expand interest-free loans for healthcare professionals and strengthen private-sector health services across the province.

Managing Director Rai Manzoor Nasir said the foundation had previously disbursed interest-free loans worth Rs70m to doctors, hakims, nurses and other healthcare professionals. He said the CM had increased the allocation to Rs500m in the budget to enable a larger number of medical practitioners to benefit from the scheme. He said the foundation was working to strengthen private hospitals and clinics to help reduce the burden on public hospitals while improving access to quality healthcare for the public.

He said the foundation provides interest-free financial assistance to healthcare professionals for upgrading medical facilities and improving healthcare delivery across Punjab. The initiative also supports individual practitioners in both urban and rural areas and encourages the establishment and expansion of healthcare institutions and related projects.

Mr Nasir said the foundation was also seeking to strengthen professional collaboration with institutions linked to the health sector to promote the development and financing of private healthcare services.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2026