The KP government is planning to retain 20% of the income earned by public hospitals under Sehat Card Plus.
Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman said the proposal has been presented to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The proposal is part of measures to improve the health insurance program.
The plan will be presented to the provincial cabinet after its details are finalized. Any legal change will also require approval from the provincial assembly.
According to officials cited by Dawn, the proposed deduction would apply to income generated by public hospitals. This includes medical teaching institutions and other public sector facilities.
KP Plans Changes to Sehat Card Plus
Under the proposal, the government would retain 20% of the total Sehat Card Plus income generated by public hospitals.
Officials said public hospitals already receive funding through the provincial government. Their doctors and other employees also receive salaries from the provincial budget.
Public hospitals generate additional income through several sources. These include institutional-based practice and different user charges.
Such charges can include investigation, admission, and operation theatre fees. The government is considering the deduction in this broader financial context.
The health department has started preparing amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universal Health Act, 2020.
The existing law allows public hospitals to retain additional Sehat Card Plus income. Hospitals can use these funds to improve healthcare services and provide staff incentives.
The proposed amendment would provide legal coverage for the planned deduction. It would first require cabinet approval before going to the provincial assembly.
Government Plans Greater Oversight
The KP government also plans to strengthen monitoring of the Sehat Card Plus program.
Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman said the government wants funds to reach deserving patients. Officials also aim to reduce difficulties faced by beneficiaries while receiving treatment.
The government is also looking to expand Sehat Card Plus services at the local level. This could increase access to treatment in different areas of the province.
Earlier in September, Dawn reported concerns over different formulas used by medical teaching institutions. These differences affected how Sehat Card Plus income was distributed and utilized.
The approved formula for district hospitals already sets out specific uses for program income. These include service improvements, consumables, and payments to medical staff.
Sehat Card Plus Spending
The provincial government has continued increasing financial support for the health insurance program.
In March, Dawn reported that the annual budget allocation for Sehat Card Plus stood at Rs. 41 billion. The monthly funding was also increased to help clear hospital-related outstanding payments.
The KP government has also announced measures to strengthen healthcare services through the program.
In May, provincial officials said reforms were being considered to improve the program’s long-term sustainability. They also highlighted plans to strengthen institutional arrangements for Sehat Card services.
The proposed 20% retention plan remains subject to further approval. The health department must complete the legal process before the change can take effect.
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The KP government is expected to present the finalized proposal before the provincial cabinet. Further approval from the provincial assembly would also be required.
