I write not in anger, but in anguish — and with a heavy heart. After serving the Government of Pakistan for over 25 years with honesty and dedication, I never imagined that at the age of 78, after surviving cancer, I would be forced to plead publicly for something as basic and lawful as medical reimbursement.
In January 2025, I was diagnosed with mouth cancer. The disease progressed rapidly and left no room for delay or procedural formalities. A seven-hour emergency surgery was performed, followed by extensive radiation and chemotherapy, to save my life. At that moment, I was not thinking of rules, panels, or approvals; I was simply fighting to stay alive.
Following the surgery, I submitted my medical reimbursement claim to the Ministry of Industries & Production, duly supported by complete and certified medical records from reputed hospitals. To my shock, the claim was rejected on technical grounds. A review was sought. It too was rejected through a brief, mechanical response that ignored the gravity of the illness, the medical emergency and the human being behind the file.
One of the objections raised by the Ministry was to question the urgency of the surgery and to demand an “emergency certificate.” Another objection raised was why I did not get treatment from a federal government hospital. The only government hospital in Lahore does not even have a functional oncology department.
I approached the Federal Ombudsman, hoping for compassionate intervention. Regrettably, my petition was returned on the ground that the matter fell outside their legal jurisdiction. Thus, even the last constitutional forum available stood closed on technical limitation.
My only source of income is a modest pension. The cost of cancer treatment has exhausted my lifetime savings. The treatment continues, while the burden grows heavier with each passing day. At an age when one should be allowed to live with dignity, I find myself running from pillar to post, pleading for what is lawful and just.
If a retired civil servant, after surviving a life-saving medical emergency, cannot receive reimbursement despite complete documentation, then what protection do government medical policies truly offer?
I humbly appeal to the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister concerned, and all those who still believe in justice within the system, to take notice of this case. My appeal is not for charity or favour but for lawful entitlement, humane consideration and administrative justice.
M Shaban Uppal
Lahore
