Pakistan’s Journalist Health Insurance Scheme Records Low Usage as Uptake Falls Far Below Expectations

A government‑sponsored health insurance initiative intended to provide medical coverage for journalists and media workers in Pakistan has seen dramatically low utilization, raising questions about awareness and accessibility within the press community. Only 187 of the 4,537 enrolled members have accessed benefits under the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Program since it became operational in July 2024, according to figures presented to Pakistan’s National Assembly. The data was disclosed by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar during a parliamentary question hour session in Islamabad on April 7.

The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and administered by the Press Information Department in partnership with the State Life Insurance Corporation, was designed to offer free health, life, and accidental insurance cover to working journalists who hold valid national identity cards and professional affiliation proofs. Coverage was initially set to run through June 30, 2025, before being extended by six months for registered members.

Despite the wide enrolment, only a fraction of beneficiaries have taken advantage of hospital services or claimed benefits, prompting lawmakers and journalists alike to question whether insufficient outreach, bureaucratic hurdles, or a lack of awareness has contributed to the minimal uptake. Critics in the National Assembly noted that the scheme’s promise of world‑class facilities at over 1,200 hospitals nationwide has not translated into tangible usage for most journalists.

In response to the low engagement, Tarar told lawmakers that the government intends to expand the program’s reach, aiming to cover up to 10,000 verified journalists and media workers in future phases. He said broader inclusion could help improve access to services for a larger segment of the media sector.

Supporters of the initiative argue that affordable health insurance remains a critical need in a profession that often lacks employer‑provided healthcare and faces stress‑related health challenges. However, the limited number of claims suggests deeper obstacles may be hindering effective implementation. Industry observers suggest further measures—such as simplifying the registration process, better communication about eligibility criteria, and stronger collaboration with journalist associations—are necessary to increase engagement.

The debate over the health scheme’s effectiveness comes amidst broader discussions about healthcare access in Pakistan and the role of government‑led social protection programs in supporting vulnerable workers, including journalists.

Reference –

https://www.journalismpakistan.com/pakistan-journalist-health-scheme-sees-low-uptake