The caretaker government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has taken a significant step to ensure the uninterrupted availability of healthcare services through the Sehat Card Plus scheme.
In a crucial meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar on Thursday, several key decisions were made to address the challenges faced by the program, indicating the government’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services to its citizens.
The meeting, presided over by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan, focused on matters related to implementing reforms approved by the provincial cabinet. These reforms aim to sustain the Sehat Card Scheme and address outstanding payments to the implementing partner, State Life Insurance Company.
Notable attendees included Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health Dr. Riaz Anwar, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, and the Chief Executive Officer of State Life Insurance Company, among others.
A crucial decision taken during the meeting was to switch to regular monthly installments for payments to the State Life Insurance Company, ensuring smoother financial operations. This step is essential to guarantee the financial stability of the program and avoid any disruption in healthcare services to the beneficiaries.
Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan emphasized his government’s commitment to sustaining the Sehat Card Scheme despite facing financial constraints caused by delayed federal government payments. He noted that providing free healthcare under the scheme remained a top priority, and the government was taking concrete steps to achieve this goal.
In recent times, the Sehat Card Scheme has proven to be a vital lifeline for many residents of K-P, offering them access to quality healthcare services that they might not have had otherwise. The scheme provides beneficiaries with a range of medical treatments, including surgeries, consultations, and medication, all at no cost to the patient. This has significantly improved the healthcare landscape in K-P, especially for vulnerable and economically disadvantaged populations.
However, the successful implementation of such a program requires consistent and timely funding. The financial crunch faced by the provincial government due to delayed federal payments had posed challenges to the program’s sustainability. Despite these financial constraints, the caretaker government remained steadfast in its commitment to continue providing free healthcare facilities under the Sehat Card Scheme.
The Sehat Card Scheme has not only addressed the healthcare needs of the people of K-P but has also contributed to poverty alleviation by reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on families. By providing access to quality healthcare, the scheme has improved the overall health and well-being of the population.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2023.
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