Sehat Card Suspension in Punjab – July 2025 Update & Free Healthcare Alternatives

Introduction

The Sehat Card, once a revolutionary step toward universal healthcare in Punjab, has been officially suspended as of July 1, 2025. This decision has left millions of citizens uncertain about their access to free medical treatment. But don’t worry—this blog is your complete guide to understanding what’s changed, what’s next, and how you can still access free or subsidized healthcare in Punjab and beyond.

---

What Was Suspended?

• Punjab’s public healthcare facilities have discontinued all Sehat Card services.
• Interprovincial access to Sehat Card benefits (e.g., in Islamabad, AJK, KP, Balochistan) has also been revoked for Punjab residents.
• Private hospitals may still accept Sehat Cards, but only under limited conditions.
• Ongoing treatments for patients admitted before July 1 may continue temporarily.

---

What’s Replacing the Sehat Card?

Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s administration, the Punjab provincial government is transitioning toward a more focused healthcare delivery system. Instead of a universal card, specialized health cards will be issued for:

Treatment Type	New Card Program
Cancer	Cancer Care Card
Dialysis	Dialysis Support Card
Pediatric Heart Surgery	Child Card Surgery Program
Liver & Kidney Transplants	Organ Transplant Card
Bone Marrow, Cornea, Cochlear Implants	Specialized Treatment Cards

These cards aim to prioritize life-threatening conditions and reduce administrative delays.

---

How to Apply for the New Health Cards

While full rollout details are pending, early guidance suggests:

1. Eligibility Check via CNIC through NADRA or Punjab Health Department
2. Medical Verification from designated hospitals
3. People will sign up through a new website that will be announced soon.

Tip: Keep your CNIC, proof of residence, and medical documents ready for faster processing.

---

Where Can You Still Get Free Treatment?

Despite the Sehat Card suspension, free or subsidized care is still available through various channels:

Facility	Services	Notes
Public Hospitals	Emergency, OPD, basic care	Funded directly by govt, no card needed
PKLI	Kidney & liver transplants	Income-based eligibility
Shaukat Khanum	Cancer treatment	Case-by-case approval
NGO Clinics	General care	Check local listings
Private Hospitals (limited)	For existing Sehat Card patients	Only if admitted before July 1

---

Sehat Sahulat Program – Still Active in Some Areas

The Sehat Sahulat Program remains operational in:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
• Parts of Balochistan
• Some federal territories (for non-Punjab residents)

Text your CNIC to 8500 or go to the official SSP portal to find out if you’re eligible.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Sehat Card permanently cancelled?
No. It’s suspended in Punjab’s public hospitals but may continue in private hospitals and other provinces.

Q2: Can I still use my Sehat Card in Islamabad or KP?
Not if you’re a Punjab resident. Interprovincial access has been revoked.

Q3: What if I need urgent surgery or dialysis?
Apply for the new specialized treatment cards or seek care at public hospitals offering direct subsidies.

Q4: Will medicines still be free in public hospitals?
Yes. The government has allocated Rs. 22 billion for medicine supply to public hospitals.

---

Final Thoughts

The suspension of the Sehat Card represents a significant shift in Punjab’s healthcare landscape, from universal coverage to targeted, disease-specific care. While this transition may feel abrupt, the new system aims to streamline resources and prioritize critical treatments.

✅ Stay proactive:

• Follow updates from the Punjab Health Department
• Keep your documents ready
• Examine your alternatives for private hospitals and NGOs.
• Share this blog to help others stay informed