Help with treatment costs for patients in financial need

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) medical assistance is part of its Individual Financial Assistance programme. It helps people who cannot afford treatment for major illness. PBM lists support for cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, tuberculosis, kidney dialysis and major surgery, based on hospital recommendations. The programme is for eligible patients in financial need across Pakistan. It is not health insurance: each case is assessed before any assistance is approved.

Who may qualify?

PBM’s medical page lists needy patients facing costs beyond their means, including widows, destitute women, orphans and people with disabilities. Its medical eligibility section states a monthly income limit of Rs 74,000. Government servants, including contract workers, and their family members are listed as ineligible, as are beneficiaries of other government aid organisations. Explain your current circumstances accurately; PBM and the hospital decide eligibility. A listed treatment or low income alone does not guarantee approval.

How much can PBM contribute?

The official medical page says assistance can be up to Rs 1.5 million. This is an upper limit, not a fixed grant. A hospital committee, specialist doctor or government hospital Medical Superintendent recommends what is medically necessary, and PBM assesses the request. The approved amount can be less than the estimate. Ask the hospital and PBM office how any approved payment will be handled before committing to treatment costs.

Forms and documents

Open the official PBM forms page and choose the form matching the condition. It lists separate forms for cancer, heart, hepatitis C and surgical patients, as well as general medicine and treatment estimates. Ask the treating doctor and hospital to fill in the diagnosis, required treatment and estimated cost. Attach a copy of the patient’s CNIC. The PBM FAQ says to submit the completed medical form and medicine estimate with the CNIC copy. Take originals when visiting so staff can verify them and ask the receiving office whether it needs any additional papers.

Where to submit and get help

PBM says you may submit at a PBM district, regional or provincial office, hospital desk or head office. Ask for an acknowledgement and how to follow up. Call the toll-free PBM helpline 0800-66666 to locate the nearest office or clarify the correct form. Use only forms linked from pbm.gov.pk and do not pay anyone who promises approval.

Official sources

• PBM medical assistance criteria
• PBM official forms
• PBM application FAQ