Ihtesham Ali says last year govt spent over Rs 37bn on healthcard program.
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Advisor on Health, Ihtesham Ali, has announced that the provincial government was fully committed to providing free and quality healthcare services to citizens under the flagship Sehat Card program.
Speaking to media representatives, the Health Advisor revealed that more than Rs 37 billion was spent on free medical treatments for the public during the last fiscal year. For the current financial year, the government has allocated Rs 41 billion to further strengthen and expand the program.
“This initiative is meant to ensure that no citizen is denied medical treatment due to financial difficulties,” said Ihtesham Ali. “The Sehat Card is not just a card, it is a lifeline for thousands.”
He further stated that the “Sehat Transplant and Implant Card” has now been formally integrated into the Sehat Card scheme. This enhancement has proven to be a major step forward in life-saving treatments. Over the past two months alone, 48 successful transplants and implants have been conducted under this initiative at a cost of Rs 118 million.
Breakdown of recent treatments under the program includes 23 kidney transplants, costing Rs 45 million, 4 liver transplants, with Rs 25 million allocated and 21 cochlear implants for children, at a cost of Rs 48 million.
“These procedures have given a new lease on life to critically ill patients, some of whom were previously without hope,” said the Advisor.
He also emphasized that these advanced medical treatments were being offered at both public and private hospitals across the province, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.
Calling the Sehat Card a “revolutionary initiative,” Ali credited the progress to the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, stating that this marks the beginning of a transformative journey in the province’s healthcare sector.
“This is just the beginning. Our goal is universal access to health facilities, free of financial burden. We are determined, motivated, and will not allow any obstacle to delay this mission of service,” he added.
