The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has expanded the coverage of the Sehat Card program to include bone marrow transplants, cochlear implants, and thalassemia treatment, in addition to kidney and liver transplants. This expansion will now allow patients suffering from these conditions to receive free medical treatment.
Sources indicate that while kidney and liver transplants were previously covered under the Sehat Card, the program was halted during the caretaker government due to a lack of funds. As a result, free treatments had been suspended for nearly two years. However, the PTI-led government has not only decided to reinstate the program but also to include additional diseases under its coverage.
A summary for this expansion was submitted to the cabinet for approval through the Sehat Sahulat Program, incorporating feedback and recommendations from the Finance Department. Consultations have also been completed with various hospitals and medical consultants.
To ensure free treatment for these conditions, the government plans to establish an Endowment Fund, similar to those in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. Initially, the KP government allocated Rs 100 million from the reserved funds to restore kidney transplants. The Health and Finance Departments will collaboratively finalize the complete framework and operational procedures.
Sources further revealed that public hospitals will be prioritized for free treatment. Cochlear implant and thalassemia treatments under the Sehat Card will be available at Hayatabad Medical Complex, providing free treatment to children under five who suffer from hearing and speech impairments.
For kidney transplants, the Institute of Kidney Diseases has been selected, while Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital Islamabad will handle liver transplants and bone marrow procedures.
Additionally, criteria are being developed to ensure that transplant procedures prioritize financially disadvantaged patients, specifically those with a PMT (Poverty Means Test) score of 37 or below. The program will also cover the cost of essential medications for one year post-transplant.
To create a sustainable healthcare program, the government has decided to establish the Endowment Fund to prevent financial shortages for costly transplant procedures. Within the next two months, kidney and liver transplant services are expected to be fully restored across the province.