The State Life Insurance Company has announced that free medical treatment through the Sehat Insaf Card has been reinstated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This decision was made after the provincial government committed to pay Rs. 6 billion by the next Friday. Previously, the insurance firm had ceased providing free treatment due to unpaid bills from the provincial government. However, the government’s resolve has restored the necessary healthcare services.
| Details of Sehat Card Restoration | Key Information |
| Decision | Free treatment restored |
| Promised Payment | Rs. 6 billion by Friday |
| Due Amount | Rs. 18 billion owed |
| Affected Areas | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hospitals |
Government Promises Payment to Insurance Company
The free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card was reinstated after the K-P government informed the State Life Insurance Company that Rs. 6 billion would be paid shortly. Previously, the corporation chose to discontinue the Sehat Card service because the government owed them Rs. 18 billion. Although the province government had paid Rs. 13 billion since March 2024, the remaining dues sparked a controversy. Initially, the government committed to pay Rs. 5 billion; but, when the payment was delayed, the insurance business suspended services.
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Discussion to Address the Issue
To thoroughly address the situation, Muzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, and the health minister will meet with representatives from the insurance firm. This discussion attempts to find a long-term solution to the unpaid dues issue while also ensuring that Sehat Card services continue to run properly. Although the province government pledged to paying Rs. 3 billion per month, previous delays resulted in difficulty in maintaining the program.
Services Restored After Previous Cuts
The Sehat Insaf Card services were fully restored in March 2024, having been temporarily reduced owing to budget concerns during the interim government period. Budget cuts impacted many low-income families that rely on the Sehat Card for free healthcare. The full restoration of utilities in March provided tremendous relief to the people of K-P. With the recent announcement, free treatment is once again available, allowing access to critical healthcare services. Sehat Card services were decreased due to budget constraints. Full service was restored in March 2024. Free treatment is once again offered in hospitals throughout K-P.
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Overview of Sehat Insaf Card Services
The Sehat Insaf Card program began in 2015, initially covering only four districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By 2020, the initiative has been expanded to cover the entire province. It offers free medical care in 118 public and commercial facilities, with over 1,800 different therapies. The province government spends an average of Rs. 3 billion per month on this program. Millions of individuals across K-P benefit from this service, which makes healthcare more accessible to those in need. The program has grown tremendously over the years and is still one of the most important healthcare programs in the province.
Government’s Commitment to Improving Healthcare
The provincial government has highlighted that the Sehat Insaf Card is a long-term endeavor. The government, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, intends to improve healthcare services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government has budgeted Rs. 5 billion to ensure the initiative runs well. Furthermore, the reopening of health card counters at hospitals ensures that patients can quickly use the service. The health minister also highlighted difficulties like as over-billing and anomalies, which are being addressed to ensure the program’s transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of free healthcare under the Sehat Insaf Card is a wonderful development for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province government’s pledge of a Rs. 6 billion payment to the State Life Insurance Company has enabled the continuance of critical healthcare services. The Sehat Card program provides crucial medical care to millions of citizens, assuring they receive treatment without fear of financial obligations.
FAQs
What is the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card is a healthcare program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that offers free medical treatment to eligible residents in both public and private facilities.
Why was free treatment stopped initially?
The State Life Insurance Company ceased providing free treatment because the provincial government had not paid its dues. However, services were restored after the government committed to pay Rs.6 billion.
How many hospitals offer free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card provides free treatment at 118 hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including both public and private facilities.
Is the Sehat Insaf Card a permanent program?
Yes, the Sehat Insaf Card is a long-term program designed to provide free healthcare to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The administration has committed to continuing the initiative for the foreseeable future.
