Pakistan’s Cantonment Boards Launch Health Policy 2025 and Internal Audit Reforms

Sweeping Reforms Across 44 Cantonment Boards The Military Lands and Cantonments Department has rolled out two transformative initiatives across 44 cantonment boards in Pakistan: the Health Policy 2025 and a new Internal Audit Framework. These reforms aim to elevate healthcare standards and strengthen governance in military-administered regions.

Health Policy 2025: A Vision for Uniform Care Formally approved by Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali, the Health Policy 2025 is designed to:

  • Standardize healthcare services across all cantonment boards
  • Empower medical staff with administrative authority
  • Expand use of modern infrastructure and technology
  • Ensure recruitment and training of skilled medical professionals
  • Foster community participation and trust-building

The Defence Secretary hailed the policy as a “revolutionary step” toward improving public healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

Internal Audit Framework: Ensuring Accountability Alongside the health policy, the department introduced an Internal Audit Framework to enhance transparency and financial discipline. This system will:

  • Enable timely corrective measures
  • Prevent irregularities in financial operations
  • Strengthen institutional trust and governance

Both reforms were approved by the Defence Secretary and are expected to bring lasting improvements in service delivery and oversight.

Conclusion: A New Era for Cantonment Governance With the launch of Health Policy 2025 and the Internal Audit Framework, Pakistan’s cantonment boards are entering a new phase of institutional modernization. These reforms reflect a commitment to efficient, equitable, and transparent public service, setting a precedent for broader administrative innovation.