Pakistan journalist health scheme sees low uptake

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 April 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Only 187 of 4,537 journalists and media workers enrolled in the Prime Minister's Health Insurance Program have accessed benefits, officials told the National Assembly; operational since July 2024, the scheme will be expanded to cover 10,000 journalists.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — A government-backed health insurance scheme for journalists has recorded limited utilization, with only a small fraction of enrolled beneficiaries accessing services, according to figures presented in the National Assembly.

A total of 4,537 journalists and media workers were enrolled under the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Program, which was launched for one year in 2024 and later extended by six months. However, only 187 individuals have availed benefits so far, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar informed lawmakers during a question hour session.

Low utilization raises questions about access and awareness

The figures emerged in response to a query by MNA Samina Khalid Ghurki, who sought details on how many journalists had received health, life, or accidental insurance benefits under the initiative, as well as the eligibility criteria and future welfare plans.

The scheme, originally launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in August 2023, is administered by the Press Information Department (PID), which signed an agreement with the State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) on August 3, 2023. Coverage became operational on July 1, 2024, and was initially set to run through June 30, 2025, before being extended until December 2025 for enrolled members.

Government plans expansion to 10,000 journalists

Responding to questions in the House, Tarar said the government intends to expand the program to cover an additional 10,000 verified journalists and media workers, signaling a broader policy push despite the current low uptake.

Eligibility for the scheme requires applicants to hold a valid CNIC and provide proof of professional affiliation. This includes a press accreditation card issued by PID, registration with provincial information departments or DGPR offices, a valid employee card or recent employment letter, or membership in a recognized press club or media organization.

Coverage includes major treatments and emergencies

Under the program, beneficiaries are entitled to coverage for major medical needs, including full support for renal transplants, up to Rs300,000 for cancer treatment at designated centers, and Rs350,000 for life-threatening conditions.

To streamline access, PID developed standard operating procedures for verification and launched an online application system. A committee comprising representatives from journalist bodies and media worker organizations was also formed to oversee data verification and enrollment processes.

Despite these measures, the low number of beneficiaries utilizing the scheme highlights potential gaps in awareness, accessibility, or administrative efficiency that may need to be addressed as the program scales.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The low uptake underscores persistent gaps between policy rollout and newsroom realities in Pakistan, where many journalists may lack awareness or face bureaucratic hurdles in accessing benefits. For media organizations, this raises questions about how welfare initiatives are communicated and implemented. Improving access and trust in such programs could directly impact journalist safety, retention, and professional stability.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on statements made in the National Assembly session and publicly available government disclosures (April 6, 2026).

PHOTO: By Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay