The Punjab caretaker government reportedly has imposed restrictions on the health card program. The card would only allow the holders of the Punjab Free Flour Scheme registrations to receive free medical care.
From July 1, gynecological operations will be abolished on the health card and a patient will have to pay 30% for treatment of heart ailments from private hospitals.
The Punjab Health Company has addressed a letter to State Life Insurance following clearance from the provincial cabinet. The health card will only be usable at private hospitals by the deserving.
According to a survey by the Benazir Income Support Programme, people who can afford it won’t receive medical care through the health card.
All cases of Cesarean section and normal delivery will be sent to government hospitals. A patient will have to pay 30% for treatment of heart ailments at private hospitals. Those registered under the Punjab Free Flour Scheme will be eligible for free treatment.
The new health card policy will be implemented from July 1.
Earlier in February, the federal government has cast off Punjab’s Rs400 billion health insurance scheme in its present form and size, targeting the entire population of the province, including the rich and the poor.
