Balochistan Public Endowment Fund Approves 1,054 New Cases Worth Rs2.72 Billion, Emphasizes Transparency and Public Welfare

Quetta: The 24th meeting of the Balochistan Public Endowment Fund Board was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Haji Wali Muhammad Norzai. The session was attended by key officials including Secretary Social Welfare Ismatullah Qureshi, Additional Secretary Health Shahiq Baloch, Additional Secretary Chief Minister Secretariat Ruhana Kakar, Director HQ Social Welfare Ashraf Guchki, Program Director Samina Ehsan Baloch, Assistant Director Social Welfare Inayatullah Kasi, representatives from the Finance Department, medical experts, and members of civil society.

During the meeting, Program Director Samina Ehsan Baloch provided a detailed briefing on previously approved cases under the Fund, which included treatments for cancer, heart diseases, implants, limb-saving procedures, end-stage kidney disease and dialysis, jaundice, liver transplants, thalassemia, cochlear implants, and other critical medical conditions. She reported that in the previous board meeting, 404 cases were approved at a total cost of Rs930 million. Of these, Rs269 million had been spent on 321 patients, while treatment for 83 cases is still ongoing.

The board was informed that 1,054 new cases had been received, requiring an estimated Rs2.724 billion, which was approved during the session. Panel hospitals currently hold Rs520 million under the Fund, of which Rs242 million have already been adjusted for different cases. The board also authorized adjustments for the remaining funds.

It was reported that the purchase of medicines worth Rs200 million has been completed, benefiting 492 patients, and an additional Rs200 million worth of medicines was approved for procurement to meet the needs of other patients. Program Director Samina Ehsan Baloch was instructed to initiate the inclusion of Arya Hospital into the Fund’s panel.

Parliamentary Secretary Haji Wali Muhammad Norzai emphasized the importance of further transparency in the Fund’s operations. He described the Fund as the province’s only initiative providing expensive medical treatments free of cost to underprivileged citizens. He also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured full cooperation for the Fund.

Haji Wali Muhammad Norzai stressed that public health is the highest priority and urged officials to serve humanity impartially, beyond personal relationships or influence. He added that the Fund’s resources are entrusted by the public and their transparent and proper utilization remains the primary responsibility of all stakeholders.