The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government has reinstated the provision of free treatment on health cards, releasing a comprehensive list of hospitals designated for this purpose. This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring accessible healthcare services for the citizens of the province. The facility for free treatment was temporarily suspended in May 2023 due to issues related to non-payment. Since then, the treatment facility had been suspended and reinstated six times until October. However, with the advent of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the resumption of free treatment on health cards has been prioritized and implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In response to complaints received regarding the matter, the provincial government has taken action by removing 80 private hospitals from the panel of designated healthcare providers. The updated list of hospitals now comprises 118 institutions, including 58 private and 60 government hospitals. Notable healthcare facilities such as Khyber Teaching Hospital, Lady Reading Hospital, Hayatabad Medical Complex, and the Pakistan Institute of Cardiology are among those included in the panel.

Moreover, the health card desks have been activated in these hospitals from today, ensuring seamless access to healthcare services for cardholders. The provincial government has also addressed financial concerns associated with the maintenance of health cards. State Life Insurance Company received a substantial sum of 5 billion rupees from the provincial government on Monday, alleviating arrears that had accumulated to 18 billion rupees. Similarly, outstanding dues owed to hospitals amounted to 14 billion rupees. In a parallel initiative, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's administration has issued a formal notification to reinstate shelters across the province. These shelters, established in various districts including Swabi, Mardan, Abbottabad, Kohat, Bannu, DI Khan, South Waziristan, Khyber District, Peshawar, Swat, and Charsadda, will provide accommodations during Ramadan, along with arrangements for suhur and iftar meals. The resumption of these vital services underscores the commitment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to prioritize the well-being and welfare of its citizens.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)