GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Government has temporarily halted new admissions to the Health Endowment Fund due to financial constraints, leaving many patients in distress as they struggle to afford critical medical treatment.
Addressing circulating social media reports, the Gilgit-Baltistan Health Department clarified that while new admissions are on hold, the program remains operational for existing patients despite financial challenges.
Launched in 2020, the Health Endowment Fund has played a vital role in providing life-saving medical assistance to underprivileged patients. Over the past four years, more than 1,300 individuals have received free treatment for severe conditions, including liver and kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, cancer, and cardiac diseases. Since its inception, the initiative has allocated Rs 840 million to patient care.
The Health Department assured that ongoing treatments for approximately 450 patients remain unaffected, ensuring they continue receiving medical assistance until completion.
However, due to budgetary limitations, new patient registrations under the fund have been suspended since February 12, 2025. The GB government recognizes the program’s significance and is actively working to secure additional funding to resume services for new patients.
The Health Department urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid spreading unverified reports, assuring that timely updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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