ISLAMABAD: In a major step towards enhancing access to healthcare, the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC), in collaboration with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), held a formal signing ceremony for the Pilot Outpatient Department (OPD) Insurance Scheme in Gilgit.
The agreement was formally signed by Muhammad Ashar, SLIC Divisional Head Health, alongside Syed Ishtiaq Hussain, SHM Project Director Gilgit Baltistan. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC, as well as Asif Ullah Khan, Secretary Health, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The initiative introduces free OPD services for patients in selected districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a significant milestone in improving primary healthcare access in the region. The project is financially supported by the German development bank KfW, which has allocated Rs 407 million+ for the pilot phase.
“Over the past few years, Pakistan’s healthcare landscape has transformed, and State Life has been privileged to stand at the centre of this evolution,” said Shoaib Javed Hussain, CEO of SLIC. “Through innovation, and a deep sense of national responsibility, we’ve built a foundation where over 180 million Pakistanis have access to quality care and financial protection. The Gilgit-Baltistan OPD initiative continues that journey; extending the reach of healthcare to every corner of our country.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
