The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has increased the rates under the Sehat Card Plus program. This decision was made to ensure that patients can continue to receive medical treatment despite the rising costs of healthcare services and medications. As the prices of medical treatments and medicines have gone up, the Chief Minister of KP decided to raise the Sehat Card rates to prevent any issues with ongoing and future treatments.
| Key Points | Details |
| Rate Increase Reason | Rising costs of medical treatments and medicines |
| Focus Area | Cardiac treatments and essential medical services |
| Budget Impact | 27% of Sehat Card budget used for heart patients |
| Future Plans | Reviewing rates for over 50 treatments |
Table of Content
Why Sehat Card Rates Were Increased
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department decided to raise the rates for treatments covered by the Sehat Card Plus program. This decision was made in response to the increasing costs of medical implants, medicines, diagnostic tests, and utilities like electricity. The Chief Executive Officer of Sehat Card Plus, Dr. Muhammad Riaz Tanoli, confirmed that a meeting was held with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to discuss the hospitals’ requests for higher treatment charges due to these rising costs.
Impact on Cardiac Treatments
The rate increase is particularly important for hospitals that provide cardiac (heart) treatments. The cost of imported implants and stents, which are essential for heart surgeries, has risen significantly in US dollars. Dr. Tanoli mentioned that 27% of the Sehat Card Plus budget has already been spent on heart patients. To ensure that patients continue to receive high-quality care, the rates for more than 50 different treatments, including those for heart patients, are being reviewed for potential increases.
Benefits of Rate Increases
- Continued Access to Care: Patients can continue receiving necessary treatments without interruptions.
- High-Quality Service: Ensures that hospitals can maintain high standards of care despite rising costs.
- Focus on Heart Patients: Special attention is given to cardiac care, which is essential for many patients.
- Comprehensive Review: More than 50 treatments are being considered for rate adjustments to cover the rising costs.
Sehat Card Registration Update
Dr. Tanoli emphasized that the Sehat Card Plus program aims to cover the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring no compromise on service quality. The government is reviewing the rates for over 50 treatments to ensure that patients continue to receive the best possible care. Hospitals are also being evaluated to ensure they meet the necessary standards for registration. Those that do not comply with these standards may be removed from the list of approved facilities.
Addressing Rising Medical Costs
A medical director pointed out that physician costs have increased in recent years, making it necessary to raise treatment rates under the Sehat Card Plus program. For example, cardiac surgeons use stents that are becoming more expensive globally, requiring an increase in fees to ensure timely treatment and prevent harm to patients. The official predicted that rates for cardiac services and other treatments would likely increase by at least 30% to cover these rising costs.
Conclusion
In summary, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has increased the rates under the Sehat Card Plus program to address the rising costs of medical treatments, implants, and utilities. This decision is crucial to ensuring that patients continue to have access to quality healthcare, particularly those requiring cardiac care. By adjusting the rates, the government aims to maintain high standards of medical treatment and ensure that all residents of KP can receive the care they need.
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FAQs
Why were the Sehat Card rates increased?
The rates were increased due to the rising costs of medical treatments, implants, medicines, and utilities.
Who will benefit from the rate increase?
The rate increase will mainly benefit patients, especially those requiring cardiac treatments, by ensuring they continue to receive high-quality care.
How will this affect hospitals?
Hospitals will be able to maintain high standards of care and meet the rising costs of treatments, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective medical services.