Lahore June 2025
In a move that has stirred widespread concern and confusion among citizens the Government of Punjab has officially announced the termination of the health card facility in public hospitals across Lahore This decision effective immediately ends a major welfare initiative that provided free or subsidized healthcare to millions of residents under the Sehat Sahulat Program also known as the Health Card
Background of the Health Card Program
The health card facility launched during the tenure of previous governments was designed to ensure access to quality healthcare for low and middle income families Through the Sehat Sahulat Program registered citizens could avail of free medical treatment from a wide network of public and private hospitals Services included surgeries cancer treatment maternity care cardiac procedures and emergency services For many families the health card was a lifeline reducing the burden of medical costs
The program was hailed as a landmark achievement in Pakistans journey toward universal healthcare In Lahore alone thousands of patients received free treatment each month Major public hospitals such as Mayo Hospital Services Hospital Jinnah Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital were among those offering services under the scheme
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Governments Decision and Justification
On June 27 2025
the Punjab Health Department released a formal notice declaring the termination of health card services in all government run hospitals in Lahore The statement cited financial constraints budget reallocation and alleged misuse of the program as primary reasons for the decision .
A health department spokesperson said
The programs costs had become unsustainable A significant portion of the healthcare budget was being used to fund private hospitals which raised concerns about transparency and accountability We are working on developing a more efficient targeted system .
Officials also noted that while services in public hospitals remain free for basic and emergency care specialized treatments previously covered under the health card will now require patients to bear the full cost or seek alternatives .
Public Reaction
The announcement has led to widespread criticism from both the public and healthcare professionals Many patients who were in the middle of ongoing treatments such as cancer therapy or dialysis now find themselves without support .
Rubina Bibi a widow from Lahore who relied on the card for her sons heart condition said
We cannot afford private treatment This card was our only hope Now we are left with nothing .
Doctors and hospital administrators have expressed concern about the increased pressure on already overwhelmed public hospitals Without the financial backing of the health card system they fear that many departments may struggle to maintain the same quality of care .
Political Fallout and Opposition Response
Opposition parties have strongly condemned the decision accusing the current government of rolling back crucial welfare programs for the poor Leaders from various political parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party PPP and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf PTI have demanded the immediate reinstatement of the program warning that its removal could lead to a healthcare crisis in Punjabs largest city .
Former Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid tweeted
The Sehat Card was not just a scheme it was dignity for the poor Revoking it is cruel and shortsighted .
What Lies Ahead
The government has hinted at launching a revised healthcare subsidy program but no concrete plan or timeline has been announced Until then millions of people in Lahore and other affected regions remain in limbo unsure of how they will manage future medical expenses .
Healthcare experts urge the government to reassess the decision and work toward a sustainable model that preserves the core benefits of the health card particularly for the most vulnerable .