In a major healthcare initiative, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has expanded the Sehat Card program to include bone marrow transplants, cochlear implants, and thalassemia treatment, alongside previously covered kidney and liver transplants.
Moreover, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that the drug addicts’ rehabilitation program will soon be integrated into the Sehat Card Plus initiative.
Gandapur was the chief guest at the event that was held in Peshawar on Thursday to mark the completion of the third phase of the Drug-Free Peshawar program.
This decision will bring much-needed relief to patients suffering from these serious conditions by providing free medical treatment.
Restoring and Expanding Free Treatment
While kidney and liver transplants were originally covered under the Sehat Card, the program was suspended for nearly two years due to financial constraints during the caretaker government’s tenure. However, under the leadership of the PTI-led government, not only has the program been reinstated, but its coverage has also been expanded to benefit more patients.
The government has submitted a formal proposal to the cabinet through the Sehat Sahulat Program, incorporating feedback from the Finance Department. Consultations with hospitals and medical experts have also been completed to ensure effective implementation.
The resumption not only includes liver and kidney transplants but also extends cashless treatments for critical conditions such as bone marrow transplants, thalassemia, and cochlear implants. These procedures are extremely costly and often out of reach for low-income families.
Endowment Fund to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability
To prevent future disruptions due to financial shortages, the government has made a plan for the launch of an Endowment Fund, this fund has similarity with those already functioning in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. Initially, Rs. 100 million from reserved funds has been allocated to restore kidney transplants, with the Health and Finance Departments working together to develop a comprehensive operational framework.
Over 60 Patients Waiting for Transplants
According to officials, more than 60 patients are currently on the waiting list for transplants, with kidney transplants being the most in demand. Most of these patients have already fulfilled the necessary requirements and are now awaiting treatment.
Access to Free Treatment
The expanded Sehat Card program will prioritize public hospitals for free treatments. The specific hospitals designated for these procedures include:
Hayatabad Medical Complex – Cochlear implants and thalassemia treatments for children under five.
Institute of Kidney Disease, Peshawar – Kidney transplants.
Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital, Islamabad – Liver transplants and bone marrow procedures.
Since these highly specialized procedures are not available in KP, eligible patients requiring liver and bone marrow transplants will be treated in Islamabad.
Read more: Under KP govt’s new life insurance scheme, family of deceased to get up to Rs 10 lakh
Who Will Benefit?
If the government approves universal access, transplants will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if the program is limited to low-income families, only those registered as living below the poverty line under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will be eligible.
To ensure the program benefits those who truly need financial assistance, eligibility criteria will be based on the Poverty Means Test (PMT) score, with preference given to patients scoring 37 or below. Additionally, the program will cover the cost of essential medications for one year post-transplant, reducing the financial burden on families.
As these new frameworks emerges, kidney and liver transplant services under the Sehat Card are expected to be fully restored within the next two months, marking a significant step towards accessible and sustainable healthcare in KP.
Sehat Card Plus Back on Track
The Sehat Card Plus program, which was significantly affected under the caretaker government, is now fully operational again. Since March 12, 2024, the program has provided free medical treatment to 960,000 patients at a cost of Rs 30 billion.
Total Funds Paid by Government Since 2023 – Rs 34 billion Previous Insurance Liabilities – Rs 21 billion Current Outstanding Liabilities – Reduced to Rs 13 billion
The KP government has ensured timely payments to the insurance company, preventing further disruptions. Public sector hospitals are being prioritized, allowing them to generate revenue and improve healthcare services.
Sehat Card Plus: Free Healthcare Across Pakistan
The entire population of KP is entitled to free medical services under the Sehat Card Plus program. Patients can also avail treatment in other provinces by simply presenting their national identity card (CNIC).
With the resumption of free transplants and the expansion of Sehat Card Plus, thousands of families across KP can now access life-saving treatments without financial burden, ensuring better healthcare for all.