THE recent reintroduction of the Sehat Card Programme by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is indeed a much-needed initiative. With this initiative now covering Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, it stands as a vital lifeline for many families who otherwise struggle to afford the escalating costs of medical treatments.
Initially launched in 2016 under the then PML-N government, Sehat Card Programme was a beacon of hope for people in different regions, providing free healthcare services. However, despite its promising start, the programme faced a hiatus in the federal territories for three years. Revival of the scheme now offers a much-needed sigh of relief, particularly for those at the lower and middle rungs of the socio-economic ladder. For most families, the financial strain of major medical expenses can be overwhelming. When it comes to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart ailments, liver diseases and other major health issues, the costs can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of rupees. Such amounts are often far beyond the reach of the average Pakistani household. This is where the Sehat Card becomes a game-changer offering not just financial relief, but hope, for those who would otherwise be unable to access timely and adequate medical care. Health is a basic right, yet millions of people have had to forgo essential treatments due to the prohibitively high cost. With the Sehat Card, an individual can avail medical expenses worth up to one million rupees, covering a broad spectrum of medical services ranging from hospital admissions to specialized treatments. This is a step in the right direction in building an inclusive healthcare system that does not leave anyone behind. However, there is an urgent need to ensure its continuity irrespective of any political transitions. These types of welfare schemes, designed to support the health and well-being of the people, should not be subject to halts or suspensions every time the government changes. The health of the nation must transcend political cycles and partisanship. What’s needed is institutionalization, backed by solid legislation, to ensure that no matter the political landscape, such programmes remain uninterrupted. These welfare initiatives are not luxuries but necessities that save lives, and they must not meet the same fate of disruption in the future.
