The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide compensation to the heirs of patients who died due to lapses in healthcare services covered under the province’s flagship Sehat Sahulat Program, commonly known as the Sehat Card scheme. The decision, revealed today, aims to address grievances tied to the ambitious health insurance program while reinforcing its commitment to universal healthcare access.
Launched in 2015 and expanded over the years, the Sehat Card scheme provides free medical treatment to millions of K-P residents by partnering with both public and private hospitals. However, recent reports of delays in treatment, denial of services, and mismanagement by empaneled hospitals have raised concerns, with some cases allegedly resulting in patient deaths. In response, the provincial government has pledged to investigate these incidents and offer financial relief to affected families.
“This is about ensuring accountability within the Sehat Card framework,” said K-P Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah during a press briefing in Peshawar.
Under the new policy, heirs of deceased patients who were enrolled in the Sehat Card program and whose deaths are linked to negligence, administrative failures, or denial of timely care will be eligible for compensation. While the exact amount remains under review, officials have hinted at payments ranging from PKR 300,000 to 800,000 per case, depending on the severity and circumstances. Funding for the initiative will reportedly be drawn from the Sehat Sahulat Program’s budget, supplemented by provincial reserves.
A dedicated task force, comprising healthcare professionals, insurance experts, and legal representatives, will be established to evaluate claims. The task force will examine hospital records, patient treatment histories, and complaints lodged with the Sehat Card helpline to determine eligibility. The government has promised a transparent process, with applications set to open by April 2025 and initial disbursements expected shortly thereafter.
The announcement has stirred a range of reactions across K-P. Families impacted by the scheme’s shortcomings expressed cautious optimism. “My father was turned away by a private hospital despite having the Sehat Card, and he passed away waiting for surgery,” said Bilal Ahmed from Mardan. “If this compensation comes through, it’s a small justice, but they need to punish the hospitals too.” Others, however, criticized the move as a superficial fix. “Why not improve oversight of these hospitals instead of just paying people off?” asked Rubina Bibi, a community health worker in Abbottabad.
The Sehat Card program has been hailed as a lifeline for low-income families, covering treatments for critical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure. Yet, its reliance on private healthcare providers has led to accusations of profiteering and inconsistent service quality. A 2024 audit revealed that some empaneled hospitals overbilled the government or refused complex cases, leaving Sehat Card holders vulnerable.
Health policy experts see the compensation plan as a double-edged sword. “It’s a bold acknowledgment of failure, which is rare,” said Dr. Sanaullah Khan, a public health analyst. “But it risks undermining confidence in the Sehat Card if the root issues—poor regulation and enforcement—aren’t tackled head-on.” He urged the government to penalize non-compliant hospitals and strengthen monitoring mechanisms alongside the payouts.
The K-P government has vowed to use the compensation process as a catalyst for reform, with plans to blacklist errant healthcare providers and enhance training for Sehat Card administrators.
As the province moves forward, the success of this initiative will hinge on its ability to deliver swift justice to grieving families while restoring faith in a program that remains a cornerstone of K-P’s healthcare vision. For now, the heirs of the deceased wait for answers—and action.
