ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has signed a landmark public-private partnership agreement with Roche Pakistan to expand access to cancer treatment for patients in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.
Under the five-year initiative, high-cost cancer medicines will be provided free of charge or at significantly reduced prices to eligible patients through the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The programme covers treatment for major cancers, including breast, lung and liver cancer.
Officials stated that the collaboration with Roche Pakistan will help ease the financial burden on cancer patients, as many advanced treatments remain beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Under the agreement, Roche Pakistan will bear a substantial portion of the medicine cost, while the government will facilitate treatment delivery and patient access through public hospitals.
Health authorities described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system through public-private cooperation. They added that the programme is expected to benefit thousands of patients and may be expanded to other regions in the future based on its performance and demand.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s broader effort to improve healthcare accessibility and ensure timely treatment for critical illnesses through strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies.
