LAHORE – Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) raised a serious issue of exclusion of gynecology and obstetrics under Health Card scheme in Punjab.
For millions of poor women, this meant losing access to vital care during pregnancy, childbirth, and treatment of female-specific illnesses, a lifeline they could not afford elsewhere. What started as a routine health policy had suddenly turned into a matter of life and death.
PMA made criticism of Punjab Government’s shocking decision to remove gynecology and obstetrics from the Health Card scheme, calling it “extremely cruel and irresponsible.” The issue was highlighted in an emergency meeting of PMA Lahore, presided over by President Professor Dr. Shahid Malik, and attended by senior doctors including Professor Dr. Ashraf Nizami, Dr. Arm Shehzadi, Dr. Wajid Ali, Dr. Bushra Haq, Dr. Ahmed Naeem Akhtar, and Dr. Maryam Fatima.
PMA officials warned that this move amounts to a grave injustice against millions of poor women, violating their basic human right to health. By depriving women of essential gynecological and maternity care, the government risks pushing vulnerable families toward life-threatening situations. Without access to affordable private treatment, countless women could face severe complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and treatment of female-specific illnesses, potentially fueling a rise in maternal and child mortality.
“The Health Card program was created to ensure that the poorest citizens receive quality healthcare. Excluding such a vital field as gynecology and obstetrics completely undermines this mission,” the PMA statement said. Officials stressed that without prioritizing women’s health, the government’s slogan of “Health for All” becomes meaningless.
PMA has urgently appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Ms. Maryam Nawaz, urging her to intervene as a woman leader and immediately reverse this policy.
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