Hefty increase in education and healthcare sector receives Rs 27 billion in new federal budget
ISLAMABAD: In the recently unveiled budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the federal government of Pakistan has underscored its commitment to enhancing the education and healthcare sectors through substantial financial allocations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Rs 93 billion has been allocated for the education sector, aimed at bolstering educational infrastructure and improving learning outcomes nationwide. Additionally, Rs 27 billion has been earmarked for healthcare, signaling a concerted effort to uplift public health facilities and services across the country.
Key highlights of the budget include significant investments in various educational initiatives. Notably, Rs 25.75 billion is allocated to the Federal Ministry of Education, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening foundational educational frameworks and programs. This allocation is crucial for advancing reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education and expanding access to educational resources for all.
Furthermore, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been allocated a development budget of Rs 66.31 billion, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering excellence in higher education institutions. This substantial funding is aimed at supporting research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives within universities and colleges across Pakistan.
A specific initiative highlighted in the budget is the modernization of 166 public schools in Islamabad. This endeavor aims to upgrade educational facilities, ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art resources conducive to effective learning and development. Such investments are pivotal in addressing infrastructural gaps and improving educational standards nationwide.
The budgetary allocations for education and healthcare reflect the government’s recognition of these sectors’ critical role in human capital development and socio-economic progress. By prioritizing these areas, the government seeks to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth, equipping the population with necessary skills and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
As Pakistan strives to overcome various challenges and capitalize on opportunities for economic advancement, prudent fiscal management and strategic investments in key sectors like education and healthcare are essential. The budget for fiscal year 2024-25 aims to lay a solid foundation for inclusive development, fostering a resilient and prosperous future for the nation.
Furthermore, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb outlined additional initiatives aimed at enhancing educational and healthcare services in Pakistan through the newly presented budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. These initiatives are designed to address critical gaps and improve access to quality education and healthcare across the country.
In the education sector, the government plans to implement free meal programs for students in 200 primary schools in Islamabad. This initiative aims to improve nutrition and ensure that students have access to adequate meals during school hours, which is crucial for their overall well-being and academic performance. Additionally, an education voucher scheme will be introduced to support underprivileged students attending private schools, enabling them to access quality education despite financial constraints.
Another significant development in the education sector is the expansion of the education scholarship program. The budget proposes to include an additional one million children under this program, raising the total number of beneficiaries to 10.4 million. This expansion is aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their education and contribute positively to society.
In the healthcare sector, the budget includes provisions for the construction of the Quaid-e-Azam Health Tower at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. This health infrastructure project is envisioned to enhance medical facilities and services at PIMS, catering to the healthcare needs of a broader segment of the population. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical care nationwide.
These initiatives underscore the government’s proactive approach to addressing socio-economic challenges and enhancing public welfare through strategic investments in education and healthcare. By prioritizing these sectors, the government aims to build a more resilient and inclusive society, where all citizens have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to national development. The budget for fiscal year 2024-25 thus seeks to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for the people of Pakistan.
