Last Updated on: 30th August 2024, 07:15 pm
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has increased the rates of the Sehat Card Programme to enable patients to continue to receive healthcare despite the rising cost of healthcare services and medicines. This step is focused on avoiding any disruption in treatment due to the increase in costs announced by the government.
Introducing new rates for treatments under the Sehat Card
KP Health Department has decided to increase the treatment rates under Sehat Card Plus health insurance scheme. This change comes in response to the rising cost of medical implants, medicines, diagnostic accessories, and energy bills.
Dr. Muhammad Riaz Tanoli, CEO of Sehat Card Plus, confirmed that Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur called a meeting to address the demands of hospitals for higher treatment rates. The meeting focused that while the cost of utilities, implants, and medicines has increased, the treatment rates have remained the same since 2018. BenazirKafaalat.pk
What are the decisions made by the KP government on rising medical treatment costs
Dr. Tanoli explained that the increase in rates will mainly benefit hospitals providing cardiac treatments as the cost of imported implants and stents has increased in dollar terms. “So far, 27% of the Sehat Card Plus budget has been spent on cardiac patients,” he explained. The plan is to review the prices of more than 50 therapies, with a focus on cardiology, to ensure that patients receive quality care.
He added, “Our program desires to cover the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in accredited hospitals without compromising on the quality of service.” Assessments will be conducted to make sure that hospitals meet the required standards. Hospitals that do not meet them will be removed from the list.
Also Read: Check Eligibility for Sehat Card in Pakistan And Avail Free Medical Services
KP to increase rates for treatments under the SCP program
At a meeting with the health minister, a medical director discussed that the increase in doctors’ fees in recent years justifies an increase in the rates of SCP treatments. “Our cardiac surgeons use stents, the global prices of which are increasing, necessitating an increase in rates to make sure timely treatment and prevent harm to patients,” he said. He estimated that rates for cardiac and other services would increase by 30%.
In addition, hospitals have faced a five-fold increase in operating costs in the last five years, prompting the government to form a committee to review their requests for rate adjustments.
Also Read: Punjab Govt provides 41 services at your home through the Maryam ki Dastak Program
Last Words
This move by the KP government is aimed at addressing the rising medical treatment cost and confirming that all patients, especially those requiring cardiac treatment, continue to receive these quality treatments without financial hurdles.