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Sehat Card
In an effort to expand healthcare services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Sehat Card program has introduced free Outpatient Department (OPD) services in four districts: Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral. This initiative is a part of a two-year partnership between the Health Department and State Life Insurance Corporation, supported by funding from the German government’s financial institution, KFW. The program initially focused on providing free inpatient services, and with the success of that phase, it is now expanding to include OPD services. This article covers the key details of this expansion, the partnership, and the expected impact on healthcare access in these areas.
Background of the Sehat Card Program
The Sehat Card program was launched to provide free healthcare services to residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to reduce the financial burden on families in need of medical attention. Initially, the program provided only inpatient services, allowing patients to receive treatment at selected hospitals without worrying about the costs. The success of this first phase showed a clear demand for free healthcare services, leading to the current expansion into OPD services. This expansion represents a step toward a comprehensive healthcare system where both inpatient and outpatient needs are addressed, ensuring that more people can access medical care when needed.
Launch of Free OPD Services in Four Districts
The addition of free OPD services under the Sehat Card program is currently in a pilot phase in four districts: Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral. These areas were selected for the pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of free outpatient services on local communities. Initially, Mardan will serve as the starting point, with services gradually expanding to other districts. By providing free OPD services, the government aims to make healthcare more accessible, allowing patients to receive consultations, diagnoses, and treatments without financial stress. This program will help families save money on regular medical visits and treatments, which are essential for managing chronic illnesses and other health issues.
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Partnership with State Life Insurance and KFW
This expansion is the result of a collaboration between the Health Department and State Life Insurance Corporation, with financial support from KFW, a German government institution. Under this agreement, the German government is providing 90% of the funding, amounting to €9.4 million, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government contributes the remaining 10%. This partnership reflects the German government’s commitment to supporting healthcare in Pakistan. Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali expressed gratitude for this support, highlighting how international partnerships are crucial for developing sustainable healthcare systems. The involvement of State Life Insurance Corporation ensures that all services are insured and well-managed, increasing the reliability and efficiency of the program.
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Benefits for Patients and Expected Impact
The free OPD services under the Sehat Card program are expected to benefit approximately 120,000 families in the pilot districts. Patients will be able to access medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and minor treatments without having to worry about the costs. For many families, the cost of outpatient care is a significant burden, especially for those with low incomes. By offering free OPD services, the program aims to ease this burden, encouraging people to seek medical help when needed rather than delaying treatment due to cost concerns. This preventive approach will help reduce the severity of health issues, leading to a healthier population in the long term. If successful, this pilot phase may lead to a province-wide rollout, allowing more people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to access essential healthcare services.
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Future Plans and Expansion Goals
Based on the results of the pilot phase, the government plans to expand the free OPD services to other parts of the province. This expansion is part of the broader goal to create a fully accessible healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering both inpatient and outpatient needs. If the pilot is successful, the government hopes to make these services available across the province, ensuring that all residents can access free healthcare when needed. This initiative is not just about offering medical services but also about building a healthier society by addressing healthcare needs comprehensively. With continued support from international partners and effective management, the Sehat Card program could become a model for healthcare development in other regions of Pakistan.
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Conclusion
The Sehat Card program’s expansion to include free OPD services in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa marks a significant step toward comprehensive healthcare access. This initiative, supported by the German government and State Life Insurance Corporation, offers free outpatient care, making essential medical services more accessible to those in need. By reducing the financial barriers to healthcare, the program is expected to improve the health and well-being of approximately 120,000 families. If successful, this pilot project could pave the way for a broader rollout across the province, bringing quality healthcare within reach for many more families. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a stronger healthcare system for all citizens.