Sehat Insaf Card Program
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) will soon introduce free outpatient department (OPD) services for citizens under the Sehat Insaf Card, beginning with a pilot project across four districts: Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral. Supported by German development aid through the organization KFW, the initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and enhance the existing Sehat Insaf Card benefits, which previously covered only inpatient department (IPD) services.
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Quick Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Initiative | Free OPD services under Sehat Insaf Card |
| Location | Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, Chitral |
| Funding | 4.9 million euros initially |
| Phase | Phase two (after IPD success) |
| Supporting Organization | German agency KFW |
| Launch | Mardan, with expansion to other districts |
| Cost Distribution | 90% by German government, 10% by K-P government |
| Expected Beneficiaries | 120,000 families |
| Total Project Cost | 9.4 million euros |
| Partnership | State Life Insurance Corporation |
Funding and Project Scope
The total financial commitment from KFW for this phase stands at 9.4 million euros, covering both operational and setup costs, with 90% of funds provided by the German government and the remaining 10% by the K-P government. Starting with a budget allocation of 4.9 million euros, the initiative will initially focus on one public and one private clinic in each district’s Union Council, aiming for close-to-home service accessibility for the population.
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Agreement and Implementation
The Health Card Program, in collaboration with the State Life Insurance Corporation, has signed an agreement to formalize the project’s implementation. Key officials, including Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali and Secretary of Health Adeel Shah, were present during the signing. Ali highlighted that the success of the earlier phase—covering IPD services—had already expanded to a province-wide scale after its initial implementation in the same four districts. Now, the focus shifts to OPD services, allowing citizens to receive free general checkups, consultations, and follow-ups without financial burden.
Pilot Project and Future Expansion
Starting from Mardan, the project will progressively extend to Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral. With a strategic approach, the initial rollout is set to assess operational challenges, public response, and the program’s effectiveness. Based on the results of this pilot phase, authorities plan to expand OPD services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering more clinics and hospitals under the Sehat Insaf Card.
Enhanced Coverage Under Sehat Insaf Card
Initially launched in 2016, the Sehat Insaf Card program was limited to inpatient services across K-P, which gained widespread acceptance due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Upon observing positive outcomes, the K-P government extended it to the entire province. The new OPD service complements existing coverage and reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access by integrating both primary care (OPD) and secondary care (IPD) services.
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Public Assurance Amid Financial Concerns
Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali addressed media speculations about potential disruptions in Sehat Card services, affirming that the program remains active and well-supported financially. Despite reports of dues owed to certain hospitals, Ali clarified that funds are regularly disbursed to maintain uninterrupted service. To reinforce this, he confirmed a recent release of Rs4.5 billion to State Life Insurance Corporation, ensuring all partner hospitals and clinics are equipped to serve Sehat Card holders.
In summary, the expansion of the Sehat Insaf Card to include free OPD services marks a significant enhancement in healthcare accessibility for K-P citizens. Starting with a pilot phase, the government aims to assess, refine, and extend this program across the province, thereby ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage under one of the region’s most innovative health initiatives.