KPK Government Announces Rs 3 Billion Budget Hike for Health Card in 2024

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for its citizens, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government has announced a Rs 3 billion increase in the budget allocation for the Health Card program in 2024. This budget hike underscores the government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure and ensuring that more citizens can access quality medical care without financial burden.

اپنے شہریوں کے لیے صحت کی دیکھ بھال تک رسائی کو بڑھانے کے لیے ایک اہم اقدام میں، خیبرپختونخوا (کے پی کے) حکومت نے 2024 میں ہیلتھ کارڈ پروگرام کے لیے مختص بجٹ میں 3 ارب روپے کے اضافے کا اعلان کیا ہے۔ بجٹ میں یہ اضافہ صحت عامہ کے بنیادی ڈھانچے کو بہتر بنانے کے لیے حکومت کے عزم کی نشاندہی کرتا ہے۔ اور اس بات کو یقینی بنانا کہ زیادہ سے زیادہ شہری بغیر مالی بوجھ کے معیاری طبی دیکھ بھال تک رسائی حاصل کر سکیں۔

What is a Health Card?

The Health Card, also known as the Sehat Sahulat Card, is a government-issued card that provides free healthcare services to eligible families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This card allows families to access a wide range of medical services at both public and private hospitals, covering expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, and other medical treatments. The initiative is designed to reduce the financial barriers to healthcare, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations.

Who is Eligible for the Health Card?

Eligibility for the Health Card program is primarily based on socio-economic status. The program targets low-income families, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups. Eligibility is determined through various government databases, including the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). Families that meet the criteria are automatically enrolled and provided with a Health Card, which they can use at participating hospitals across the province.

Facilities in Government Hospitals

Government hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are a crucial part of the Health Card program, offering a range of medical services to cardholders. These facilities are equipped to provide:

• Inpatient and Outpatient Services: Cardholders can access both inpatient and outpatient medical care, including consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Surgical Procedures: A wide array of surgeries, from minor procedures to major operations, are covered under the Health Card program in government hospitals.
• Emergency Services: Emergency care is available to Health Card beneficiaries, ensuring they receive prompt and necessary treatment in critical situations.
• Specialist Care: Patients can consult specialists in various medical fields, such as cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics, at participating government hospitals.
• Maternal and Child Health Services: Comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, is provided to women under the Health Card program.

Details of the Budget Increase

The Rs 3 billion budget increase is expected to expand the program’s reach and enhance the quality of services provided. With this additional funding, the government plans to:

• Expand Coverage: More families will be enrolled in the Health Card program, ensuring that a larger portion of the population can benefit from free healthcare services.
• Improve Healthcare Facilities: The budget will be used to upgrade healthcare facilities across the province, including the provision of modern medical equipment and the recruitment of additional healthcare staff.
• Increase Treatment Options: The range of medical treatments covered by the Health Card will be expanded, offering patients more comprehensive care.
• Enhance Program Awareness: The government will launch awareness campaigns to ensure that more people are informed about the Health Card program and how to benefit from it.

Impact on KPK Residents

This budget hike is expected to have a profound impact on the health and well-being of KPK residents. By expanding access to free healthcare services, the government aims to alleviate the financial strain on low-income families and improve overall public health outcomes. The initiative is particularly crucial for rural areas, where access to quality healthcare has traditionally been limited.

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Conclusion

The KPK government’s decision to increase the Health Card program’s budget by Rs 3 billion in 2024 is a significant step toward improving healthcare access for the province’s residents. This initiative not only reflects the government’s dedication to public health but also promises to alleviate the financial burden on families in need. As the program continues to expand, it is poised to make a lasting positive impact on the health and well-being of millions of people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.