In a significant stride toward healthcare reform, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (MNHSR&C) has embarked on a transformative journey to create a model healthcare system in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). This effort is framed within the broader objective of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and is part of a comprehensive strategy to build a healthcare model that can later serve as a prototype for the nation. The groundwork for this vision was laid with the launch of the Islamabad Healthcare Strategy in November 2018, marking the first such initiative in the nation’s capital. This strategy was introduced soon after the incumbent government took office, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing public health. Shortly thereafter, in February 2019, MNHSR&C formalized this commitment with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Health Organization (WHO). This partnership with WHO provided the Ministry with the necessary technical support to strengthen the healthcare system and work toward UHC in Islamabad.

With a population of approximately 2.3 million—split between a rural majority of 1.2 million and an urban population of 1.1 million—Islamabad was chosen as the pilot district for implementing the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS). By focusing on Islamabad as a model district, MNHSR&C aims to establish a fully operational UHC framework, from which valuable insights and best practices can be drawn.

These learnings can then be adapted to healthcare systems in other districts across Pakistan, enabling a more standardized and equitable healthcare system nationwide. Recognizing the need for adequate infrastructure, the Ministry has proposed a dedicated modular workspace within the District Health Office in G-9 Markaz. This space, designed to accommodate seven workstations along with a meeting area and essential amenities, will provide a structured environment for the UHC team to manage their work. Technical support for the UHC Unit spans a range of crucial areas: from program implementation and quality assurance to financial management, data reporting, and public health logistics. All these elements are essential to ensuring the operational excellence of UHC delivery within the district.