The largest healthcare facility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has temporarily suspended its participation in the Sehat Card Plus Programme, a government-funded healthcare initiative. This unfortunate decision comes from unpaid dues owed to LRH by the Pakistan State Life Insurance Corporation.

The LRH administration was left with no choice but to halt the treatment of patients under the Sehat Card Plus Programme due to the financial strain caused by the unpaid dues. In an official notification released Wednesday, the hospital announced the immediate suspension of services under the Sehat Sahulat Card program until further notice. However, it's important to note that emergency services will continue to be provided as usual.

Regrettably, LRH is not the only healthcare facility in the province facing such challenges. The Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) previously suspended its services under the Sehat Card program for similar reasons. PIC reported that the State Life Insurance Corporation owed them approximately Rs. 2 billion in unpaid dues.

The caretaker provincial government is grappling with financial difficulties, leading to challenges in paying hospital employees' salaries. Furthermore, ongoing construction projects initiated by the previous government have been brought to a standstill due to financial constraints.

Initially launched by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, the Sehat Card program played a vital role in providing free treatment to thousands of patients in the province. It is unfortunate to witness the lack of commitment from the caretaker provincial government in supporting this beneficial project. The temporary suspension of the Sehat Card program's services at LRH highlights the urgent need to address the financial issues that threaten the well-being of patients and the healthcare infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.