When a family member falls seriously ill in Pakistan, the financial shock can be as devastating as the medical one. Treatment costs that seem modest by international standards are catastrophic for families living on daily wages. If you are trying to find help paying for medical treatment in Pakistan, this guide covers your options — honestly and practically.
The Real Cost of Common Treatments in Pakistan
- Chemotherapy (one cycle): approximately PKR 35,000–50,000 ($120–170 USD)
- Dialysis (one session, 3x per week needed): approximately PKR 3,500–5,000 ($12–18 USD)
- Open heart surgery (adult): PKR 800,000–1,200,000 ($2,800–4,200 USD)
- Bone marrow transplant: PKR 2,000,000–3,500,000 ($7,000–12,000 USD)
- Cancer radiotherapy (full course): PKR 150,000–400,000 ($500–1,400 USD)
- ICU admission per day: PKR 15,000–40,000 ($50–140 USD)
Government Schemes: What Exists and What It Covers
Pakistan has several government-backed schemes designed to help low-income families access medical care. The Sehat Sahulat Programme (formerly Sehat Insaf Card) provides up to PKR 1,000,000 per family per year for inpatient treatment at empanelled hospitals across Punjab, KP, and other provinces. The Zakat Fund administered by the government can also cover medical costs for eligible Muslim applicants. However, accessing these programmes is often slow, requires considerable documentation, and does not always cover specialist oncology or cardiac care.
Charity and NGO Options
Several well-established charities in Pakistan provide direct medical assistance. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital treats a significant portion of its patients free of charge. Indus Hospital in Karachi provides entirely free secondary and tertiary care. Akhuwat offers interest-free loans for medical emergencies. These organisations have limited capacity, however, and waiting times can be significant for non-emergency cases.
How to Apply Through PulseGivers
PulseGivers is specifically designed to fill the gap that government schemes and large NGOs cannot. We focus on patients who are already in treatment but cannot sustain the cost — or who need a specific, costed intervention that a hospital has confirmed. To apply, visit our application page and submit the patient's details, diagnosis, hospital name, and estimated treatment cost. Our team will review the application within 5 working days and contact you directly.
What the Money Is Used For
Every rupee raised through PulseGivers is paid directly to the hospital, pharmacy, or clinic — never as cash to the patient or family. We collect official receipts within 48 hours and share them with donors. You will always know exactly what your contribution paid for: a chemotherapy cycle, a dialysis session, a surgical procedure, or a month of medication.
You should never have to choose between feeding your family and keeping a loved one alive. We exist to help close that gap.
Is your family member in need of medical financial support? Apply now.
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