Punjab govt increases Health Card claim co-payment to 50%

WEB DESK: Starting Tuesday, the Punjab government raised the co-payment under the Sehat Sahulat Programme by 10 per cent, now evenly split between the government and patients for procedures in private hospitals.

The move aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the Sehat Card initiative.

The Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) directed the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) to implement the 50 per cent co-payment promptly.

Previously, interventions increased co-payment from 30 per cent to 40 per cent for applicable procedures in private hospitals.

Exemptions for certain services, like oncology and dialysis, were revoked in the latest notification on January 10, 2024.

Dr Ali Razzaque, PHIMC CEO, highlighted the 50 per cent co-payment to deter misuse of free treatment in the private sector.

Despite the Punjab government paying Rs100 billion in premiums to SLIC, teaching hospitals are facing monthly losses.

Caretaker Health Minister Dr Javed Akram assured reduced government liabilities and increased medicine budgets but acknowledged challenges, with hospitals seeking additional funds from the health department.

Patients are experiencing difficulties amid financial constraints in the healthcare sector.

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