PAFLA and Dr Essa Laboratory Sign MoU to Provide Healthcare Discounts to Freelancers

The partnership will offer eligible PAFLA members a 35% discount on routine laboratory tests, along with reduced rates on diagnostic imaging and other healthcare services.

The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre to provide discounted healthcare and diagnostic services to eligible members.

The partnership aims to make healthcare more affordable for Pakistan’s growing freelance community, many of whom lack medical coverage or other employment benefits commonly offered in the formal corporate sector.

Under the agreement, eligible PAFLA members will receive a 35% discount on routine laboratory tests. They will also have access to special discounts on specialised tests, diagnostic imaging, MRI and CT scans, ultrasound, physiotherapy, dentistry and other healthcare services.

Farheen Fatima, Chief Growth and Strategy at PAFLA, and Hana Farhan Essa Abedin, Director at Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre, signed the MoU.

PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancing was becoming an increasingly popular source of livelihood worldwide, particularly in Pakistan, where more skilled individuals were choosing independent digital work.

He noted that freelancers contribute to the country’s economy but often lack access to essential benefits such as healthcare and medical coverage.

“Freelancers are an important part of Pakistan’s digital economy, but many of them do not have access to the social protection and healthcare benefits enjoyed by salaried employees. PAFLA is working to bridge this gap by building a support network that provides the freelance community with meaningful benefits and opportunities,” Amin said.

He added that PAFLA was working to improve freelancers’ welfare and quality of life by facilitating access to healthcare, financial services, professional development and other support initiatives.

Amin also encouraged freelancers across Pakistan to join the association and benefit from its growing network of services, partnerships and incentives.

The healthcare agreement forms part of PAFLA’s broader efforts to expand welfare and social protection opportunities for freelancers and digital workers.

According to estimates cited in the announcement, Pakistan has nearly three million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the world’s fourth-largest freelancer population. The announcement also stated that freelancers across different fields earned $549 million in the first quarter of the current financial year 2026-27.

The partnership is expected to give eligible members access to lower-cost diagnostic services while addressing a gap in healthcare benefits for independent workers.