Eligibility Criteria for a Health Card in Pakistan

1. Eligibility Criteria for a Health Card in Pakistan Healthcare access is a basic right. In Pakistan, the Sehat Card (or Health Card) helps low-income families get free treatment in public and private hospitals. This card is part of the Sehat Sahulat Program, led by the government and supported by healthcare bodies like the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA). But who can get this card? How does it work? And what’s the process to apply? Let’s explore the full eligibility criteria and benefits. What Is the Health Card? The Sehat Card is a government-issued card that provides cashless medical treatment. Cardholders can receive care from selected hospitals across Pakistan without paying upfront. It covers major treatments like surgery, hospitalization, maternity care, and chronic disease management. The program is currently active in:

2. ● Punjab ● Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) ● Parts of Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir Who Is Eligible for the Health Card? To get the card, you must meet the following criteria: ✅ Pakistani Citizenship You must be a valid citizen of Pakistan with a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). ✅ Living Below the Poverty Line Families registered in BISP (Benazir Income Support Program) or other poverty databases are eligible. ✅ CNIC Verification NADRA must verify your identity. CNIC data is used to confirm your family members as dependents. ✅ Residence in Covered Areas You should be living in a district where the Sehat Card is available. Not all districts are included yet. How to Check Your Eligibility You can confirm your status by: 1. Sending your CNIC number via SMS to 8500 2. Visiting the official SSP website 3. Calling the Sehat Sahulat Helpline If you are eligible, you’ll receive a message confirming your status and hospital list.

3. What Treatments Are Covered? The card covers both secondary and tertiary care, including: ● Emergency surgeries ● C-section and maternity care ● Heart diseases ● Cancer treatment ● Dialysis ● Diabetes complications ● Organ transplants (in selected hospitals) Coverage is up to PKR 1 million per family per year. Role of PPMA in Healthcare Support The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) plays a key role in ensuring medicine availability for public health programs like Sehat Sahulat. Local pharma firms registered with ppma pakistan help provide cost-effective medicines used in covered treatments. How to Use the Health Card Once declared eligible, you can visit any panel hospital with your CNIC. The hospital will verify your details in real-time. If approved, your treatment starts immediately — no paperwork, no cash. Common Issues and Solutions

4. ● Not Receiving Confirmation SMS? Try sending the CNIC again or call the helpline. ● Wrong Family Info? Visit NADRA to update your family details. ● Not in Covered Area? Check for future rollouts; the program is expanding. Final Thoughts The Sehat Card is a huge step toward equal healthcare access. It helps the most vulnerable citizens get life-saving treatment without financial burden. Programs like this, backed by policy and industry cooperation, including the support of Pakistan pharmaceutical manufacturers, can transform lives. Whether you're applying for yourself or helping someone in need, knowing the eligibility criteria for a health card in Pakistan is the first step to getting free quality treatment.