Locals suffer as Burn Centre halts free cure

Patients at Hayatabad Burn and Trauma Center are facing severe hardships following the suspension of treatment services under the provincial health card program.

The disruption has left burn victims and their families struggling to afford the costly medicines, specialized dressings, and essential medical supplies necessary for recovery.

Relatives of affected patients told The Express Tribune that the expenses for treatment at the burn center are beyond the reach of ordinary people. "Without the health card, we are forced to purchase expensive injections, antibiotics, and dressings from the market," one family member said.

Several families claimed that the financial burden has increased drastically, forcing some patients to discontinue treatment due to unaffordability.

"Burn cases require daily expensive dressings and specialized medications," another relative explained. "Without government support, continuing treatment becomes impossible for most families."

The administration of the Hayatabad Burn Center, however, maintained that free treatment is still being provided where possible, and the hospital is striving to deliver the best care within its capacity. Officials confirmed that services under the health card program have been temporarily suspended but are expected to resume from December 1.

Despite these assurances, families of burn victims are urging the government to expedite the restoration of the health card program. "Hayatabad Burn Center is the only facility in the province catering to severe burn patients from all over. The delay in reinstating the health card is placing an enormous financial burden on poor patients," said a man representing the families.

Medical experts and patient advocates have warned that prolonged suspension of subsidized care could lead to worsening health outcomes, especially for severe burn cases requiring continuous treatment. They stressed that immediate government intervention is critical to prevent further suffering and ensure that patients can complete their recovery without facing crippling expenses.

The ongoing suspension of services under the Sehat Insaf Card in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is largely attributed to non-payment of dues by the provincial government to the insurance company. In October 2023, State Life Insurance Company temporarily halted free treatment under the Sehat Card Plus program across the province due to unpaid bills.

The insurance company directed all panel hospitals to cease offering free treatment and refer new patients to public sector hospitals, though hospital desks remain operational for existing cases.

This marked the sixth time the company suspended Sehat Card services due to outstanding government payments.

Each suspension has left patients in difficult situations, highlighting recurring disruptions in the province's healthcare system.