Sihat Sahulat Program or Sihat Card Program is a health insurance scheme launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to provide free healthcare services to the people. The program allows eligible families to access a range of medical services free of charge or at subsidized rates. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare expenses on low-income households and enhance their access to quality healthcare services. Launched in 2016 with the promise of enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability, the initiative has garnered attention and scrutiny alike.
Before the inception of the Sihat Card initiative, public hospitals in KP faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, infrastructure deficiencies, and overcrowding. Patients often encountered long waiting times and substandard facilities, which undermined the quality of care. However, with the introduction of the Sihat Card, there has been a noticeable improvement in the availability of resources and services in public hospitals. The initiative has infused funds into the healthcare system, enabling hospitals to upgrade infrastructure, procure essential medical equipment, and enhance service delivery. Additionally, specialized services such as cardiac care, oncology, and neonatal care have been expanded in select public hospitals, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment in private facilities.
Despite the improvements in public healthcare facilities, many beneficiaries of the Sihat Card still opt for treatment in private hospitals. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including perceptions of superior quality of care, shorter waiting times, and a broader range of specialized services offered by private healthcare providers. Private hospitals stand tall with shining glass panels, silver elevators, and LED monitors in the waiting areas and wards. Moreover, a Sehat Card representative is present to guide them through their journey at the hospital. Additionally, the convenience of proximity to private hospitals and the perception of better patient-provider communication also influences patients’ decisions to seek care outside the public sector. However, it is essential to note that the Sihat Card covers a significant portion of the expenses incurred at private hospitals, making them financially accessible to cardholders.
The Sihat Card initiative has significant financial implications for both the government and the beneficiaries. The government allocates substantial funds to finance the program, covering the cost of insurance premiums and reimbursing healthcare providers for services rendered to Sihat Card holders. According to government reports, the program has benefited over 6 million families in KP, including vulnerable populations such as widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the initiative has contributed to poverty alleviation by reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income households. Sehat Sahulat Program is indeed a novel scheme launched in good faith, but it is a big challenge to maintain patient satisfaction in the face of increasing expenses for the government. Currently, it takes at least 3 months for bills to get approved. This translates to the reality that hospitals and concerned staff keep waiting to get their share of the compensation for many months. Moreover, the surgeon generally gets a very humble (16%) share out of the package adjusted by the program.
As coverage of the Sehat Insaf card grows, the government will face another dilemma of payments pending to hospitals and doctors, as observed previously. In April 2023, State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) ceased accepting new admissions for the free treatment of patients under the Sehat Card Plus program due to the provincial government’s failure to settle its outstanding dues.
One of the critical aspects of the Sihat Card initiative is the quality of healthcare services provided under the program. While the initiative has undoubtedly expanded access to healthcare services, questions of care. Concerns have been raised over the adequacy of infrastructure and medical equipment in some public hospitals, and the qualifications and competence of healthcare professionals. Moreover, concerns are raised about whether the treatments, medications, and investigations provided under the program meet global standards of quality and efficacy. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential to ensure that the services provided under the Sihat Card meet established standards of care and address the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
In conclusion, the Sihat Card initiative represents a commendable effort to improve healthcare access and affordability in KP, Pakistan. However, its success hinges on addressing the underlying challenges faced by the healthcare system, including the quality of services, resource allocation, and equitable distribution of healthcare facilities. Moving forward, a concerted effort is needed to ensure that the initiative delivers on its promise of providing quality healthcare services to all beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the population.
ADDRESSING FINANCIAL WOES IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA MEDICAL TEACHING INSTITUTIONS
In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, medical teaching institutions (MTIs) stand as pillars of healthcare, providing vital services to communities in need. Yet, behind their noble mission lies a tale of financial distress, as MTIs grapple with drug shortages and delayed salary payments, casting a shadow over their ability to fulfill their crucial role.
The saga of financial turmoil began with the change in government last year, leaving MTIs stranded without the necessary funding to sustain their operations. The promise of autonomy under the Medical Teaching Institutions Reforms Act (MTIRA) once held hope for these institutions, empowering them to make independent decisions and break free from bureaucratic constraints. However, the reality paints a starkly different picture, with MTIs now struggling to make ends meet.
In the corridors of these institutions, tales of desperation emerge from accident and emergency departments, where shortages of life-saving drugs exacerbate the plight of those in critical need. It’s a dire situation, one that demands urgent attention and decisive action.
Hope flickers on the horizon as officials express optimism for the future under the newly-elected government. With the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) at the helm once again, there’s a renewed sense of anticipation that financial woes will be addressed, and MTIs will receive the support they desperately need.
