The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) and Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide exclusive discounts on healthcare and diagnostic services to eligible members of the association.
The partnership aims to make medical services more affordable and accessible for Pakistan’s growing freelance community, many of whom lack the health insurance, medical coverage and welfare benefits commonly available to employees in the formal corporate sector.
The MoU was signed by Farheen Fatima, Chief Growth & Strategy at PAFLA, and Hana Farhan Essa Abedin, Director at Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre.
35% Discount on Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Services
Under the agreement, eligible PAFLA members will receive a 35 per cent discount on routine laboratory tests, along with special discounts on various specialised medical and diagnostic services.
The discounted services will include specialised laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, MRI and CT scans, ultrasound, physiotherapy, dentistry and several other healthcare facilities.
The initiative is part of PAFLA’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection, introduce welfare benefits and create facilitation opportunities for freelancers and digital workers across Pakistan.
PAFLA Focuses on Freelancers’ Healthcare and Welfare
Speaking on the occasion, PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancing was emerging as an increasingly popular source of livelihood worldwide, particularly in Pakistan, where a growing number of skilled individuals were adopting independent digital work.
He observed that despite their increasing contribution to the national economy, many freelancers remained without essential benefits, including healthcare facilities and medical coverage generally provided to salaried employees.
“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,” he said.
Amin added that the association was committed to improving the welfare and quality of life of freelancers by facilitating access to healthcare, financial services, professional development and other support initiatives.
He also encouraged freelancers across the country to become members of PAFLA and benefit from its expanding range of services, partnerships and incentives aimed at improving their financial security and overall living standards.
Pakistan Has Nearly 3 Million Freelancers
According to estimates cited in the announcement, Pakistan has approximately three million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the world’s fourth-largest freelancer population.
Freelancers working across different sectors reportedly generated $549 million in earnings during the first quarter of the current financial year 2026–27.
The growing freelance workforce has become an important contributor to Pakistan’s digital economy, creating employment opportunities and generating foreign exchange through international clients and online platforms.
The partnership between PAFLA and Dr Essa Laboratory is expected to provide practical healthcare support to independent professionals while addressing the gap in welfare benefits available to Pakistan’s expanding freelance community.
The initiative also reflects growing efforts to establish partnerships between professional associations and private-sector organisations to improve access to essential services for digital workers.