The federal government has decided to restore the Sehat Sahulat Health Card, bringing free health coverage back to millions of families living in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The move reactivates a program that many households rely on for essential medical treatment and hospital care.
The decision was approved by the national steering body overseeing the program, clearing the way for health services to resume after a long pause. Funding has been secured under a revised government plan, ensuring that the program can continue without interruption for the coming years.
What This Restoration Means for Families
With the health card restored, eligible families can once again access treatment at registered public and private hospitals without paying out of pocket. The coverage includes major medical procedures, hospital admissions, and emergency care—services that are often financially out of reach for low- and middle-income households.
The restoration applies specifically to permanent residents of:
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Islamabad Capital Territory
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Azad Jammu and Kashmir
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Gilgit-Baltistan
Health facilities linked to the program are expected to start providing services immediately as operations resume.
Why the Program Was Restarted
The health card service had been suspended earlier due to pending payments and administrative delays, leaving many families without coverage. After reviewing the situation, the federal government approved a new funding structure to settle outstanding liabilities and stabilize the system.
Officials emphasized that restoring health coverage was a priority, particularly for regions where access to affordable healthcare options is limited.
How the Program Will Operate Going Forward
Existing agreements with insurance and data management partners have been extended to keep the system running smoothly. This ensures hospitals can treat patients without delays and beneficiaries can use their cards without re-registration.
Health authorities have also reiterated the shift toward insurance-based healthcare models, which allow the government to fund treatment while hospitals focus on service delivery rather than administration.
The restored facility will remain active under the revised plan until mid-2027, providing continuity and predictability for beneficiaries.
Who Is Leading the Initiative
The restoration was approved under the direction of the Government of Pakistan, with oversight from the health ministry and the Sehat Sahulat Programme leadership.
FAQ
Do beneficiaries need to apply again?
No. Existing eligible families can use the service without reapplying.
Is the card active nationwide?
The restoration currently applies to Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Other provinces continue under their existing arrangements.
For millions of families, the return of the Sehat Sahulat Health Card means renewed access to healthcare without the fear of unaffordable medical bills.
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. nise.org.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official sources before taking any action.
