Sehat Card program has undergone some modifications as revealed during a press conference by Amir Mir and Punjab’s Caretaker Minister, Dr. Javed Akram. According to the press conference, people who are charged an electricity bill of Rs. 10,000 or above are no longer eligible to benefit from Sehat Card.
In addition, individuals who travel abroad and those who get a phone bill of Rs. 8,000 or above are also not entitled to use Sehat Card. Dr. Javed Akram stated that a person who can bear such expenses cannot be considered poor. To ensure that the resources are addressed properly, data to consider the deserving status will be taken from the Social Welfare Department.
The caretaker minister mentioned that the card has been misused previously. Moreover, he clarified that the government has no agenda regarding the Sehat Cards introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Dr. Javed stated that the policy is changed to save resources and a fund of Rs. 1.5 billion has been established.
In addition, government hospitals only will provide free heart treatments. Pakistani flag on the card will also be limited or removed and CNICs will now be considered as Sehat Cards to avoid any misuse. Dr. Javed also stated that this scheme was actually initiated during the era of Nawaz Sharif in 2015.
The Sehat Card program will be continued but with certain limitations now.
