The Sehat Card Plus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a significant step to strengthen its free healthcare initiative by increasing the budget for the Sehat Card Plus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program. The program, which provides free diagnostic and treatment services to millions of residents, has faced challenges due to delayed payments to hospitals. The new budget allocation aims to clear outstanding liabilities and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the province’s population.
Increase in Monthly and Annual Budget
Previously, the government provided Rs3 billion per month to the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, which manages the Sehat Card Plus program. In December, this monthly allocation was increased to Rs4 billion to help settle pending payments owed to empaneled hospitals.
The total annual budget for the program has also been raised from Rs36 billion to Rs48 billion. For the current fiscal year, Rs41 billion has been allocated, with Rs3 billion released monthly from July to November. This increase allows the insurance company to gradually clear outstanding hospital payments while maintaining the regular operation of the program.
Clearing Outstanding Liabilities
The government’s efforts are already showing results. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the outstanding amount owed to hospitals was Rs15 billion. This has decreased to Rs12 billion and is expected to fall to Rs8 billion by the end of the year.
While the annual expenditure of the program is estimated at Rs34 billion to Rs35 billion, the remaining funds are being used to settle past liabilities. This approach ensures that hospitals receive their due payments without disrupting ongoing healthcare services.
Challenges Faced by Hospitals
Despite these improvements, several hospitals have reported delays in receiving payments, which has affected their ability to provide services efficiently. For example, Ayub Teaching Hospital recently received only Rs38 million against an outstanding amount of Rs700 million. Similarly, the Medical Teaching Institution Bannu is awaiting Rs290 million in payments.
Hospital officials have highlighted that delayed payments make it difficult to compensate medical staff involved in treating patients under the Sehat Card Plus program. Timely funding is crucial for maintaining staff morale and ensuring continuous healthcare services.
Need for Efficient Fund Distribution
Officials have emphasized the importance of a streamlined system to distribute funds more efficiently among hospitals. They recommend prioritizing public hospitals, particularly those outside Peshawar, so that patients can receive treatment closer to home. This approach will also help reduce the burden on major healthcare facilities in the provincial capital.
Patient Treatment Data
Data shows that a significant majority of patients are treated outside Peshawar. Out of 948,182 patients treated under the program from July 2025 to March 2026, about 700,000 received treatment in hospitals located outside the provincial capital. Last year alone, 1.2 million patients benefited from free treatment, costing the government Rs35 billion.
Coverage and Impact of the Program
The Sehat Card Plus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program has wide coverage across the province, with 700 hospitals empaneled, including 169 hospitals within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since its launch in February 2016, nearly 4.98 million patients have received free healthcare services worth Rs135 billion.
The program serves the entire population of the province, covering more than 10.7 million families, which equals approximately 34.5 million individuals. This initiative has become a lifeline for low-income families, ensuring access to essential medical care.
Importance of Timely Fund Release
The timely release of funds is critical for the success of the Sehat Card Plus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program. With adequate funding, hospitals can continue providing free healthcare services, and patients can receive treatment locally instead of traveling to Peshawar. Efficient fund distribution strengthens healthcare delivery and improves the overall effectiveness of the program.
Conclusion
The increased budget for the Sehat Card Plus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa program demonstrates the government’s commitment to free healthcare and the well-being of its citizens. By clearing outstanding payments and ensuring smooth implementation, the program continues to provide vital services to millions of residents across the province. The focus on local hospitals and timely fund allocation will further enhance access to quality healthcare, making the initiative more effective and sustainable in the long run.
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