Sehat Card in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been restored, offering access to 1,800 free treatments at 118 hospitals across the province in 2024. This initiative is a major milestone in providing universal healthcare to the people of KP, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have access to essential medical services without financial barriers.
Healthcare remains one of the most critical challenges in Pakistan, especially for underprivileged communities. The restoration of the Sehat Card program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) promises to alleviate the burden of medical expenses on families by providing free treatment options across a broad network of hospitals. This initiative not only enhances the quality of healthcare but also ensures equitable access to medical facilities for all.
What is the Sehat Card?
The Sehat Card is a health insurance initiative by the government of Pakistan aimed at providing free healthcare services to the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through this program, eligible citizens can receive cashless medical treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including major surgeries, maternal health services, and chronic disease management. The card covers both in-patient and out-patient services, making it a comprehensive solution for healthcare access.
The Sehat Card program, officially known as the Sehat Sahulat Program, has been pivotal in offering quality healthcare to millions of citizens. It works on a no-premium model, meaning individuals do not need to pay for insurance premiums. Instead, the program is funded entirely by the government, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income level, has access to life-saving medical treatments.
Sehat Card Restoration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024
The restoration of the Sehat Card in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024 is a significant step by the provincial government to revitalize the healthcare sector. After a period of suspension or reduced coverage, the program has been reinstated, offering free medical treatments for a variety of conditions at 118 hospitals across the province. This includes both public and private hospitals, ensuring a wide network of facilities for cardholders to access.
1,800 free treatments are now available through this program, covering a diverse range of medical services from cardiac surgeries, dialysis, cancer treatments, to maternal and child health services. The program aims to reduce the financial burden on families, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, by making critical healthcare services accessible without out-of-pocket expenses.
Key Benefits of the Sehat Card Program in 2024
1. Comprehensive Medical Coverage
The Sehat Card covers a wide range of medical treatments, including major surgeries, chronic illness management, and emergency services. Patients can receive treatment for heart diseases, kidney ailments, and even cancer treatments at no cost. The program also offers free services for maternity care, ensuring that women have access to safe childbirth facilities and post-natal care.
2. Network of 118 Hospitals
In 2024, the Sehat Card program is linked to 118 hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including both public and private facilities. This ensures that patients can choose the hospital that best meets their needs and are not limited by location or availability. The large network allows for reduced waiting times and ensures that patients can access high-quality treatment without unnecessary delays.
3. Cashless Medical Services
One of the most important features of the Sehat Card is its cashless service model. Eligible citizens can walk into any of the participating hospitals, show their Sehat Card, and receive treatment without having to pay upfront. The government reimburses hospitals directly, meaning that patients do not have to worry about handling medical bills or making out-of-pocket payments.
How to Use the Sehat Card for Free Treatments
The Sehat Card is user-friendly and easy to access. Here’s how the process works:
1. Eligibility Check
All residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are eligible for the Sehat Card, but specific families are enrolled based on their socioeconomic status. Eligible families are identified using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), ensuring that the poorest households are given priority.
2. Card Activation
To activate the Sehat Card, citizens can visit the nearest Sehat Sahulat Program office or use the dedicated online portal. After activation, they can receive their card and start using it immediately at any of the partner hospitals.
3. Hospital Visit
When visiting a hospital, Sehat Card holders must present their card at the designated desk. The hospital will verify their eligibility, and once confirmed, the patient can receive treatment without paying any fees. Whether it’s for a simple check-up or a major surgery, the entire process is cashless.
Types of Treatments Covered
The Sehat Card in 2024 offers coverage for 1,800 treatments across various medical fields, ensuring that patients can receive the care they need. Some of the key areas covered include:
1. Emergency Services
The program offers free treatment for emergency situations such as accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. This ensures that individuals can receive immediate care without worrying about the cost of expensive emergency procedures.
2. Major Surgeries
The Sehat Card covers a range of surgical procedures, including heart surgeries, kidney transplants, and cancer surgeries. These procedures can be extremely costly, but under the Sehat Card program, they are provided free of charge.
3. Maternal and Child Health
Maternity care is a crucial part of the program. The Sehat Card covers prenatal, delivery, and post-natal services, ensuring that mothers and their newborns receive high-quality care during and after childbirth. Pediatric services are also available for newborns and young children.
List of Hospitals Accepting Sehat Card in 2024
The Sehat Card can be used at 118 hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, providing patients with a wide array of healthcare options. The network includes:
- Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
- Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad
- Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
- Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar
- Prime Teaching Hospital, Mardan
This extensive network ensures that patients from all parts of the province have access to the healthcare services they need.
How the Restoration of Sehat Card Benefits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The restoration of the Sehat Card program is expected to have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By providing free healthcare services, the program reduces the financial burden on families, especially those living below the poverty line. It also encourages individuals to seek medical help sooner rather than delaying treatment due to financial concerns.
The program is not only a relief for patients but also a boon for the healthcare industry. With the government covering the costs of treatment, hospitals can ensure consistent cash flow, allowing them to maintain and upgrade their facilities and services.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Sehat Card in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
The Sehat Card is available to all citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, priority is given to families identified through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) based on their income level.
2. How can I apply for the Sehat Card?
To apply for the Sehat Card, visit the nearest Sehat Sahulat Program office or access the online registration portal. Once registered, you will receive your card and can start using it for free medical services.
3. What types of treatments are covered under the Sehat Card?
The Sehat Card covers 1,800 different treatments, including emergency care, major surgeries, maternity services, and chronic disease management.
4. How many hospitals accept the Sehat Card in 2024?
As of 2024, 118 hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accept the Sehat Card, offering both public and private healthcare services.
5. Is there a limit to the number of treatments I can receive with the Sehat Card?
There is no limit on the number of treatments, but each treatment must fall within the list of covered services. Additionally, there are annual caps on the total amount of healthcare costs that can be covered for each family.