The State Life Insurance Company has announced the restoration of free medical treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). This decision was made after the provincial government assured the insurance company that a payment of Rs. 6 billion would be made by the following Friday. This move came just hours after the insurance company initially announced that they would stop providing free treatment due to unpaid dues.
| Key Points | Summary |
| Decision | Free treatment restored under Sehat Insaf Card |
| Payment Promised | Rs. 6 billion by next Friday |
| Due Amount | Rs. 18 billion owed by the provincial government |
| Affected Areas | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hospitals |
Table of Content
Government Assures Payment to Insurance Company
The decision to restore free treatment was taken after the government of K-P committed to paying Rs. 6 billion to the State Life Insurance Company by Friday. Earlier, the company had decided to halt the Sehat Card services because of the unpaid dues, which amounted to Rs. 18 billion. The provincial government had already paid Rs. 13 billion since March 2024, but the remaining amount caused a dispute between the two parties.
The government had earlier promised to pay Rs. 5 billion to the company, but when this payment was not made, the insurance company stopped the free treatment services.
Detailed Meeting to Address the Issue
To resolve the matter further, it has been decided that the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, Muzammil Aslam, along with the health minister, will meet with representatives from the insurance company. The objective of the meeting is to find a solution to the issue of unpaid dues and ensure that the program continues to run smoothly. The provincial government has promised to pay Rs. 3 billion per month, but payments have been inconsistent in the past, causing strain on the program.
Health Card Services Restored After Reduction
In March 2024, the provincial government fully restored the Sehat Insaf Card services after a temporary reduction during the interim government period due to budget constraints. The interim government had scaled back the free healthcare services, which negatively impacted many low-income families who rely on the Sehat Card for medical treatment.
The restoration of the program in March was seen as a significant move, and now the free treatment is once again available to the people of K-P, providing them access to essential healthcare services.
Overview of Sehat Insaf Card Services
The Sehat Insaf Card program was first introduced in 2015 and initially covered four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By 2020, the program had expanded to cover the entire province. It provides free treatment in 118 public and private hospitals, offering over 1,800 different medical treatments. The provincial government spends an average of Rs. 3 billion per month on this program, benefiting millions of residents.
At a recent press conference, K-P’s Health Minister, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, highlighted the success of the Sehat Insaf Card and confirmed that the program remains a priority for the government.
Government’s Commitment to Healthcare
The K-P Health Minister emphasized that the Sehat Insaf Card is a long-term project, not just a temporary initiative. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the province is expected to witness further developments and improvements in healthcare services. The government has allocated Rs. 5 billion to ensure the continuation of the program and the reopening of health card counters at hospitals.
The minister also acknowledged that there had been challenges, such as over-billing and irregularities, but these are being addressed to ensure transparency and efficiency in the program’s operations.
Conclusion
The restoration of free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card is a welcome relief for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government’s assurance of a Rs. 6 billion payment to the State Life Insurance Company has enabled the continuation of these vital services. This initiative provides essential healthcare to millions of people across the province, ensuring they receive the medical care they need without financial burdens.
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FAQs
What is the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card is a healthcare program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that provides free medical treatment to eligible citizens in both public and private hospitals.
Why was free treatment stopped initially?
The State Life Insurance Company halted free treatment due to unpaid dues from the provincial government. However, it was restored after the government assured a payment of Rs. 6 billion.
How many hospitals offer free treatment under the Sehat Insaf Card?
The Sehat Insaf Card offers free treatment in 118 hospitals across 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 initiative aimed at providing free healthcare to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government is committed to continuing the program for the foreseeable future.