The Punjab government has decided to end the Health Facilitation Program, also known as the Health Card Program, which has sparked widespread concern and criticism among healthcare professionals and opposition parties. It was a program that was providing free health insurance to eligible citizens and was a lifeline for many poor families who were struggling to access quality healthcare due to financial constraints
In this article, I will tell you why the Punjab government has decided to end it, what are the reasons for this and what are the facts that led to the decision to end this program. Although this program was very useful for the citizens, there are many reasons and facts behind it due to which it was considered better to end it and it has been decided to bring an alternative program. Let me tell you why this program was ended.
The Beginning of the Health Card
Health card has gone through many stages and reached 2025. Its stages are described below.
- This program was started by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in 2015 under the leadership of Khalil Waseem.
- Its aim was to provide health insurance to families. Then in 2017-18, the PML-N expanded it and changed its name.
- Then in 2018, the PTI government expanded it and made it a universal program.
- In 2020, the Sehat Card Plus program was launched. Then in 2021, it covered the entire population of seven districts.
- In 2023, it slowed down and then in 2024, after Maryam Nawaz became the Minister of State, this program was started again anew, but then it faced many difficulties due to which the Punjab government decided to end it.
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Reasons Behind the Decision
The Punjab government has cited several reasons behind the termination of the program, such as the unsustainability of the program as well as the cost and budget constraints.
According to reports, the program was facing several financial challenges.
According to an estimate, the cost of the program had increased to an unsustainable level. Along with this, the government has also claimed that this decision has been taken to reallocate resources in a more efficient and masterful manner.
The health card program will end after June 30.
Impact on Citizens
The end of the health card program is having a huge impact on citizens.
- Citizens who were benefiting from treatment through this card, people who were getting treatment under this program are now facing uncertainty and great financial difficulties.
- Due to this, some people have expressed despair, wondering how they will pay for their medical treatment now. Due to the end of the program, government hospitals that are full of patients are now under a lot of pressure.
- However, there is still concern about how the needs of the very poor will be met. Funding has been released for medicines and other essentials, and two to three months of medicines are available in hospitals that can meet the immediate need.
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Citizens’ Reaction and Protests
The health card program was widely implemented, and its sudden termination has led to widespread criticism and protests.
All opposition parties have strongly condemned it and are calling for its reinstatement. The termination of this program will further exacerbate the healthcare crisis.
However, government officials are trying to convince the people that the program was terminated due to its unsustainability and that an alternative and sustainable program is being decided in its place that will benefit the people in the future.
Alternative Solution
The Punjab government has announced that the health card program will be abolished and replaced with other programs soon in Punjab, which will have these basic reasons:
Additional resources will be allocated to the new programs,
The upcoming programs will be made better and more effective, and along with this, the public will also be included in the partnership.
Conclusion
Although the end of the health card program has sparked criticism and debate across Punjab, given the material constraints, it was imperative to take this decision. As the government has considered alternative solutions, it is imperative that citizens prioritize their needs and ensure that the government has taken an important decision for them.
Although the health card program was a lifeline for many families and its end has created a significant gap, citizens should also see that the government is moving towards an alternative program and is trying to bring a better program in their favor. So instead of criticizing, the public should exercise patience.
Ultimately, we can say that the Punjab government’s decision to end the health card program is a big step towards healthcare in Punjab and highlights a sustainable approach. By prioritizing the needs of citizens and investing in the healthcare system, the government can ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial status.
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