Sehat Card Health Program Relaunched for Islamabad, AJK, and GB
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has relaunched the state health insurance program. This program is popularly known as the Sehat Card. It is now reinstated for Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister called healthcare a fundamental right. He stated his government took swift action to serve the nation. Furthermore, he credited former PM Nawaz Sharif for first initiating the scheme in 2016.
Program Expansion and Current Benefits
The service was completely suspended in these federal territories in March 2024. Residents suffered due to unpaid government dues. Now, nearly 10 million people will regain access to
free medical treatment.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal detailed the revival plan. He announced adding 70 hospitals across the three regions. Consequently, citizens can use the card instead of cash at these facilities. Cardholders can also seek treatment at 16 partner hospitals in Karachi.
Addressing Nationwide Healthcare Gaps
The Prime Minister emphasized helping common citizens. He noted the elite can afford care, but laborers and orphans struggle. Therefore, this program aims to protect vulnerable families from financial ruin during illness.
The program already runs in Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Sindh remains the only province where the card is not usable. As a result, PM Shehbaz pledged to discuss its expansion with Sindh’s Chief Minister.
Minister Kamal specifically requested a Rs24 billion budget for Sindh. He believes the program can become self-sustaining within three years. For now, the focus remains on ensuring quality treatment through strict third-party monitoring. The government vows to sustain this critical health initiative.
