The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has announced the resumption of medical services provided through the Sehat Card program, following a suspension of approximately one year due to financial constraints.
The suspension, which began in May of the previous year due to funding shortages, occurred multiple times during the tenure of the caretaker government, as stated by the health department. The reinstatement of these services comes after the recent inauguration of the new elected government, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Ali Amin Gandapur, whose party originally introduced the Sehat Card initiative in 2016.
KP Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah revealed that the Sehat Card facilities have resumed operations, with Rs10 million already spent on treating 700 patients. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Shah emphasized the party’s commitment to assisting individuals who struggle to afford medical treatment expenses.
Expressing regret over past suspensions, Shah highlighted that the Sehat Card scheme covers treatment for approximately 1,800 ailments. He also mentioned government efforts to address overbilling by conducting certain types of operations exclusively in government hospitals and reducing the number of hospitals on the Sehat Card panel from 180 to 118.
Despite facing outstanding dues of Rs18 billion, Shah assured that the government is committed to resolving challenges to ensure the continuity of Sehat Card services for the welfare of the people.
Patients, particularly those requiring multiple surgeries and unable to afford treatment costs, have eagerly awaited the program’s restoration, according to reports. The government owes Rs17 billion to the insurance company, leading to the suspension of its operations when premium payments were not met. The government has pledged to pay Rs5 billion monthly to clear its arrears with the insurance company.
The success of the PTI in the February 8 general election in KP has been attributed in part to the Sehat Card Plus program, which provides essential medical services to the populace.
