Punjab Govt Suspended Sehat Card
Punjab Govt Suspended Sehat Card: The Punjab government has announced a significant and shocking decision: The facility of free treatment on the Sehat Card has been discontinued in government hospitals. The Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) has issued an official letter to all government hospitals regarding this matter, which has raised concerns that the treatment of thousands of patients may be affected.
June 30th Last Date – Submit Pending Claims
According to the letter issued, government hospitals have been directed to submit all pending claims under the Sehat Card by June 30, 2025. After this, no new claim will be acceptable. Not only patients but also the hospital administration are in serious trouble due to this decision.
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Fear of Financial Loss for Government Hospitals
The closure of the Sehat Card in government hospitals will stop many specialty treatments, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, gynecology, oncology, etc. Most of them require expensive and continuous treatment, which the patients cannot afford themselves. After this closure, government hospitals will not only face a decrease in patient flow but also severe financial losses as they are heavily dependent on health card claims.
Now, only Treatment will be Provided Under the Chief Minister’s Special Initiatives
According to PHIMC, now only those patients will be able to get treatment facilities under specific programs of the provincial government or the Chief Minister’s Special Initiatives. That is, in general, patients will no longer be entitled to free treatment through the health card.
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Limited Facilities in Private Hospitals
Although treatment on the health card will continue in private hospitals, patients there, too, will have to pay 50 percent of the bill themselves. That is, only a partial discount will be given through the health card, which is against the original purpose, i.e., the spirit of “free treatment”.
Budget Cuts for the next Fiscal Year
According to sources, the funds allocated for treatment on the Sehat Card have also been significantly reduced in the budget for the next fiscal year 2025-26. This means that not only has the treatment facility been limited, but there is also a possibility of further reduction in the scope of this program in the future.
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Sehat Card Beneficiaries Disappointed
Thousands of patients across the country who were getting heart, liver, kidney, cancer, and other expensive treatments on the Sehat Card are now facing severe anxiety and uncertainty. For many poor families, this card had become the difference between life and death.
Why Was this Decision Taken?
Government sources say that the reason for this move is a lack of funds and the prevention of unnecessary claims. The government thinks that only limited and deserving people will be provided treatment facilities through special initiatives, so that the transparency of the system is maintained.
What could be the Government’s New Course of Action?
What is needed now is for the government to introduce a new and transparent mechanism that prioritizes the truly deserving, rather than restricting the entire program. Eligibility of patients can be determined through digital verification, PMT score, and household income.
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Important Instructions for Patients
If you are getting treatment under the Sehat Card from a government hospital, then:
- Finish your case before June 30.
- Submit all your pending claims to the hospital administration immediately.
- Make sure to estimate your expenses for treatment in private hospitals.
- For any information or complaints, contact the PHIMC helpline or the nearest health facility center.
Conclusion
Sehat Card was a revolutionary step that brought relief to millions of poor people, but the recent decision has put a question mark on the future of the scheme. The government should find alternative ways, keeping in mind the interests of the patients, and establish a sustainable, transparent, and efficient health system.
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