The federal government has introduced a new mechanism for the disbursement of health allowances to doctors (medical and dental), allied specialists, pharmacists, nurses, paramedics, and other staff directly involved in patient care, officials said.
According to a recent office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance, only employees providing hands-on medical services to patients will be eligible for the allowance. Those not directly engaged in patient care will not qualify.
The memorandum refers to the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling of July 4, 2024 (Case Nos. C.A. 302/2024 to 315/2024, Federation of Pakistan vs. Ehsan Haq et al.), which clarified the definition of health services. The court specified that health services include patient reception, treatment, care, and addressing medical issues, covering doctors, allied specialists, pharmacists, nurses, paramedics, and supporting staff involved in direct patient care.
The circular states that the Prime Minister has approved disbursing the health allowance in line with the Supreme Court’s directive. The allowance will be subject to income tax and will be payable during regular leave or leave prior to retirement but not during extraordinary leave. It will not count toward pension, gratuity, or house rent deductions.
All accounts offices have been directed to implement the process within 15 days and submit a compliance report.
