KP govt to introduce optional top-up health package for employees

PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to introduce an optional top-up health package for government employees under the Sehat Card framework. The matter was come under consideration during a high-level meeting on the Sehat Card Plus Programme held here with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi in the chair. The meeting reviewed a range of proposed measures to strengthen the programme’s coverage, service delivery, governance and financial sustainability. The meeting considered a proposal to bring Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Category-D hospitals operating round the clock throughout the week under the Sehat Card Plus Programme. Proposals to expand coverage for high-cost treatments and introduce a phased increase in service rates were also reviewed. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that, in line with the vision of Imran Khan, health and education were at the top of the provincial government’s policy agenda. “We will move forward with a practical, results-oriented strategy. Our ultimate objective is to ensure the provision of the best possible healthcare services to the people, ” he said. The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to develop a comprehensive action plan on the proposed reforms and interventions through mutual consultation and submit it for consideration. He further announced that the matter would be reviewed again at a follow-up meeting next week, where all proposals would be finalised and a clear, effective and implementable roadmap for further strengthening the Sehat Card Plus Programme would be carried forward. He stated that the Sehat Card Plus is a major public welfare facility, and its further improvement, effectiveness and long-term sustainability necessitate pragmatic, workable reforms and measures to ensure that the people are able to derive its full and intended benefits. Declaring health and education as the foremost priorities of the provincial government, he directed the relevant authorities to ensure the timely disposal and implementation of all matters and initiatives pertaining to these sectors, making it clear that there would be no room for delay or impediment in this regard. The Chief Minister stressed that misuse of the Sehat Card facility must be prevented and directed that empanelled hospitals be required to comply with a clearly defined code of conduct. He emphasised the need to strengthen transparency, accountability, service quality and financial discipline across the programme. “The Sehat Card Plus is a major public service and must be managed in a manner that delivers greater value and better outcomes for the people, ” the Chief Minister said, directing the authorities to take concrete measures to further improve the programme’s efficiency and effectiveness. He said the ongoing revamping of Basic Health Centres and District Headquarters Hospitals was aimed at bringing quality healthcare closer to communities and ensuring that people have access to essential health services at their doorstep. “The provincial government is allocating substantial resources to improve healthcare delivery; these resources must translate into efficient service delivery and tangible outcomes for the public, ” he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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