KP proposes top-up Sehat Card health package for govt employees
The proposal was discussed during a meeting on the Sehat Card Plus programme chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.
The meeting focused on making the healthcare programme more organised, effective and financially sustainable. Officials discussed several proposals aimed at improving services for beneficiaries and strengthening the overall system.
More expensive treatments may get wider coverage
One of the key proposals is to expand Sehat Card coverage for costly medical treatments.
Officials also discussed increasing service rates to ensure hospitals can continue providing treatment under the programme. The proposed top-up package for government employees could provide additional health coverage beyond the existing benefits available to eligible residents.
However, details such as the amount of additional coverage, eligibility requirements and the types of treatments included have not yet been announced. The proposal is still under consideration and may require further decisions before it is formally introduced.
Chief minister stresses healthcare reforms
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said health and education remain among the government’s top priorities.
He linked the government’s focus on these sectors to the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan. Afridi said healthcare reforms were aimed at improving services and making treatment more accessible to the public.
He also highlighted efforts to modernise basic health centres so people can receive healthcare closer to their homes. The chief minister said providing quality healthcare to the people was the government’s ultimate objective.
Govt wants faster decisions on health matters
Afridi directed officials to ensure timely decisions on matters related to health and education.
He stressed that unnecessary delays should not affect public services. The direction comes as the provincial government considers further changes to the Sehat Card Plus programme and the wider healthcare system.
The KP government has already been working on reforms aimed at expanding healthcare access and improving service delivery. The province’s Health Policy 2026 also focuses on strengthening Sehat Card Plus and expanding healthcare services, including plans to extend coverage to outpatient department services.
Sehat Card Plus already provides major coverage
Sehat Card Plus is the KP government’s flagship health protection programme.
Official health information says the programme is designed to provide healthcare protection to permanent residents of the province. The programme covers hospital-based treatment through empanelled public and private hospitals.
The programme covers a range of major medical services, including hospitalisation, surgeries, emergency treatment, dialysis and other specialised procedures.
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The existing programme is intended to reduce the financial burden on families facing expensive medical treatment. The proposed top-up package would represent another step towards expanding health protection, particularly for government employees.
Govt moves to prevent Sehat Card misuse
The chief minister also directed officials to take effective measures to prevent misuse of the Sehat Card facility. The government has not yet provided details about the specific safeguards being considered.
Such measures could help improve monitoring and ensure that healthcare funds are used for eligible treatments and beneficiaries. The focus on preventing misuse is also linked to the government’s goal of making the programme financially sustainable.
Why the top-up proposal matters
Medical treatment can become expensive when patients require major surgery, specialised care or long hospital stays. A top-up package could provide government employees with additional financial protection if they face treatment costs beyond the existing coverage.
However, the actual impact will depend on the final structure of the package and the level of additional coverage approved by the government. Clear rules will also be important to ensure that employees understand which treatments and expenses will be covered.
KP continues to expand healthcare services
The proposed package comes as KP works on broader healthcare reforms.
The province has recently outlined plans to strengthen primary healthcare, improve specialised treatment facilities and expand the role of Sehat Card Plus. The Health Policy 2026 includes proposals for new intensive care and coronary care units, trauma and burn centres, telemedicine services and other healthcare improvements.
The policy also aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and improve access to medical services. These measures are part of wider efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the province.
