Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Restores Free Treatment on Sehat Card

The recent announcement by the State Life Insurance Company to reinstate free medical treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) comes as a relief to many. This decision follows the provincial government’s commitment to make a Rs. 6 billion payment to the insurance company by the upcoming Friday. The restoration of free treatment was crucial as the initial announcement of discontinuation was made due to unpaid dues amounting to Rs. 18 billion.

Government’s Commitment to Payment

Assurances from the K-P government to fulfill the Rs. 6 billion payment to the State Life Insurance Company paved the way for the revival of free treatment under the Sehat Card scheme. Previously, a dispute arose over the remaining unpaid amount of Rs. 18 billion, despite the government having paid Rs. 13 billion since March 2024. After a promised payment of Rs. 5 billion was not met, the insurance company made the decision to suspend the free treatment services.

Resolution through Detailed Meetings

To address the payment issue effectively, a meeting between Muzammil Aslam, the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, the health minister, and representatives from the insurance company is scheduled. The aim is to find a sustainable solution to the dues concern and ensure the seamless functioning of the program. Despite the government’s promise to pay Rs. 3 billion monthly, inconsistent payments have strained the program.

Restoration of Health Card Services

In March 2024, the complete restoration of Sehat Insaf Card services by the provincial government uplifted the healthcare accessibility that saw a temporary reduction during an interim governance period. This reduction had adversely affected low-income families reliant on the Sehat Card for medical necessities. The reestablishment of the program has reinstated access to crucial healthcare services for the people of K-P.

An Overview of Sehat Insaf Card Services

Initiated in 2015, the Sehat Insaf Card program initially covered four districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, later expanding to encompass the entire province by 2020. With coverage in 118 public and private hospitals offering over 1,800 medical treatments, the program costs the provincial government an average of Rs. 3 billion per month, benefiting numerous residents. The success of the program was underscored by K-P’s Health Minister, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, reaffirming its significance.

محکمہ صحت کی جانب سے عدالتی کارروائیوں کے بعد خیبر پختونخواہ میں صحت انصاف کارڈ کے تحت مفت علاج کی بحالی کا اعلان اہم اور خوش آئند خبر ہے۔

Government’s Pledge to Healthcare

Highlighting the long-term vision of the Sehat Insaf Card program, K-P’s Health Minister stressed its continuity beyond a mere temporary endeavor. Under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s leadership, further advancements in healthcare services are anticipated. With an allocated budget of Rs. 5 billion, the government aims to sustain the program, reopening health card counters at hospitals. Efforts to tackle challenges such as over-billing and irregularities are underway to ensure transparency and efficiency in program operations.

Final Thoughts

The reinstatement of free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card signifies a significant step towards accessible healthcare for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government’s commitment to a Rs. 6 billion payment to the State Life Insurance Company has secured the continuous provision of essential services. This initiative plays a vital role in offering crucial medical care to millions without the burden of financial constraints.

FAQs

What is the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card is a healthcare program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that provides free medical treatment to eligible citizens in both public and private hospitals.

Why was free treatment initially stopped?
The State Life Insurance Company halted free treatment due to unpaid dues from the provincial government, which was later reinstated after the assurance of a Rs. 6 billion payment.

How many hospitals offer free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card extends free treatment services to 118 hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, encompassing both public and private facilities.

Is the Sehat Insaf Card a permanent program?
Yes, the Sehat Insaf Card serves as a long-term initiative dedicated to providing free healthcare to the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the government committed to its ongoing operation.