PESHAWAR, Jun 06 – The Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister for Health, Riaz Anwar, assured the public on Tuesday that despite the province’s financial constraints, the health facilities provided through the Sehat Card program would continue to benefit the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Financial Challenges Do Not Hinder Health Services:
In a media briefing held after the release of a survey report on the Sehat Card program, Advisor Riaz Anwar acknowledged the financial crunch faced by the province. However, he emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted health services for its citizens through the Sehat Card initiative.
Investigating Allegations of Corruption:
Riaz Anwar further stated that an inquiry into alleged corruption related to the Sehat Card program is underway. The government is actively investigating the matter and will take appropriate action to address any irregularities discovered. Transparency and accountability are key priorities for the government in the delivery of healthcare services.
Private Hospitals Preferred by Majority of Sehat Card Holders:
The survey report on the Sehat Card program, conducted by Agha Khan University, revealed that a significant majority of 63 percent of KP residents sought treatment from private hospitals utilizing the facility. In contrast, only 37 percent of patients opted for government hospitals.
Challenges and Recommendations for Improvement:
According to the survey, approximately 10 percent of the KP population still lacks access to the Sehat Card program due to domicile or other technical issues. To address these concerns, the report recommended the involvement of citizens in the policy board of Sehat Card. This approach aims to engage the public in decision-making processes and address technical issues while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of hospitals in remote and underserved areas.
Higher Treatment Expenses in Private Hospitals:
The survey findings also highlighted that the average expenses incurred on a patient’s treatment amounted to Rs 31,395. This figure represents a 20 to 40 percent increase compared to the treatment expenses at private hospitals. Efforts should be made to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to affordable healthcare for all Sehat Card beneficiaries.
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Continued Commitment to Public Health:
Despite the financial challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality healthcare through the Sehat Card program. Measures are being taken to address alleged corruption, improve access to the program, and enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities across the province.
As the government works towards these goals, the active participation of citizens in the decision-making process will be crucial in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the Sehat Card program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
