Sehat (Health) Card Information

When I first learned about the Sehat Card, I saw how much this national health insurance program changed access to healthcare in Pakistan. Many families, including mine, benefited from free treatments in public hospitals under the system. However, the Punjab government officially ended its version on June 30, 2025, mainly because of financial reasons.

Even though it was disappointing, I noticed that Punjab is now implementing targeted initiatives to continue supporting those in need. Meanwhile, other provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) still offer the Sehat Card Plus, which provides coverage for various treatments. For those unsure of their eligibility under the remaining programs, you can easily check by sending your CNIC to 8500.

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I also found the program’s legacy information remains available on their website, which helps people find guidance and stay informed about future updates.

How to Apply for the Sehat Card Online

I was curious about how to apply for it online, but soon learned that the process is a bit different. Instead of an online form, you can check your eligibility by texting your CNIC number to 8500 if you live in Punjab or 9780 if you are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Once confirmed eligible, you can use your CNIC at any empaneled hospital to get medical services for yourself and your family members.

It’s important to ensure that your information is updated with NADRA, and for children under 18, you may need to provide the Form-B at the helpdesk. Having gone through this process myself, I found it easy once I understood the steps—just a quick message, a verification, and the support was within reach.

Health Card / Family Coverage

Husband and wife, their unmarried children, and newborn babies (who are automatically added if born in an empaneled hospital).

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Services Covered During Hospitalization

When I used my Sehat Card for my mother’s treatment, I realized how many medical and surgical procedures it actually covers. The card supports in-patient care, including emergency admissions for sudden injuries, fractures, and even burns or road traffic accidents that need life or limb saving treatment.

People with heart problems can get angioplasty or a bypass, while those fighting cancer can receive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy without extra cost. I’ve seen families relieved when their diabetes complications, chronic infections like Hepatitis or HIV, and even Rheumatology-related issues were treated with ease.

The card also covers neurosurgical procedures, Thalassemia treatment, and the use of prosthesis when needed, making it a complete support system for serious health needs.

How to Check Your Eligibility

When I first wanted to confirm if I could use the Sehat (Health) Card, I found that the easiest way to check eligibility was through SMS. For people living in Punjab, just send your CNIC to 8500, and for those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), send it to 9780.

I’ve helped friends from other regions who preferred to check online through https://www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk/check-your-eligibility/, which works just as well. Once you send the message or visit the site, you’ll quickly know whether you qualify for the program. It’s a simple, quick, and reliable way to stay informed about your health support options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it true that the Sehat Card program has been stopped?

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Many people have asked me whether the Sehat Card program has been stopped, but that’s not true. The confusion started because of a change in policy, not a complete shutdown of the program. The treatment has only been discontinued in government hospitals, where medical care was already free, and it still remains free today.

In fact, the public hasn’t faced any loss because services continue in empaneled private hospitals across Punjab, which has always been a unique feature of this initiative. The purpose of including private hospitals was to reduce the burden on government hospitals and ensure that people could easily receive medical help from the nearest private hospital during emergencies.

From my experience working with healthcare teams, I can say that these objectives are still being met, and the system continues to serve patients effectively.

How can I check my Sehat card balance?

I often help people learn how to check their Sehat Card balance, and it’s actually very simple. You can use the mobile application to stay informed about your healthcare expenses and account details anytime, anywhere.

Just download the Sehat Card Mobile App for instant access to your balance—it’s quick and convenient. For those who prefer another way, send your CNIC via SMS to 8500 if you’re in Punjab, or to 9780 if you’re from KP.

You can also use the Sehat Sahulat mobile app, which is a fast and reliable method that even works without an internet connection. Personally, I find it helpful to stay connected and healthy by keeping track of my medical benefits through this simple process.

How Much Money Does a Sehat Card Offer?

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From my experience helping families use their Sehat Card, I’ve noticed that the amount available can vary by region. Generally, the card provides between PKR 720,000 and PKR 1,000,000 under federal programs, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) program also offers PKR 1,000,000 in coverage.

After the renewed balances in July 2024, people received secondary care coverage of about PKR 40,000–60,000 and tertiary care up to PKR 400,000.

Some provinces, such as Punjab, have suspended their programs for now due to financial issues, but the federal and KP programs continue to function smoothly, ensuring that eligible citizens still receive essential medical support.

Does the Sehat Card Cover Pregnancy?

When my cousin was expecting, we learned that the Sehat Card truly covers pregnancy with full maternity services for both normal deliveries and C-sections. It also includes antenatal or pre-delivery care, along with postnatal and post-delivery checkups, ensuring that mothers receive complete medical attention.

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This comprehensive medical coverage is designed especially for eligible low-income citizens across Pakistan, providing access to hospitalization, emergencies, and specialized care.

I found it reassuring that even gynecological services are included, making the Sehat Card one of the most valuable healthcare initiatives for women and families.

صحت کارڈ – مختصر جائزہ

صحت کارڈ ایک ایسا قومی پروگرام تھا جس نے پاکستان میں لاکھوں خاندانوں کو مفت علاج کی سہولت دی، جن میں میرا خاندان بھی شامل ہے۔ پنجاب حکومت نے یہ پروگرام 30 جون 2025 کو مالی وجوہات کی بنا پر ختم کر دیا، مگر دیگر صوبے جیسے خیبر پختونخوا (KP) اب بھی صحت کارڈ پلس کے تحت لوگوں کو 10 لاکھ روپے تک کی طبی سہولتیں فراہم کر رہے ہیں۔ لوگ اپنی اہلیت چیک کرنے کے لیے اپنا شناختی کارڈ نمبر 8500 (پنجاب) یا 9780 (خیبر پختونخوا) پر بھیج سکتے ہیں۔

یہ کارڈ ہسپتال میں داخلے، ایمرجنسی، آپریشن، کینسر کے علاج، زچگی، اور دیگر خاص امراض جیسے دل کے مسائل، ہیپاٹائٹس، اور ذیابطیس کے علاج کی سہولت دیتا ہے۔ خاندان کے افراد جیسے شوہر، بیوی، اور بچے صرف شناختی کارڈ دکھا کر کسی بھی پینل ہسپتال سے علاج کروا سکتے ہیں۔ حمل کے دوران یہ کارڈ نارمل ڈلیوری، آپریشن (سی سیکشن)، قبل از پیدائش اور بعد از پیدائش چیک اپس کی مکمل سہولت بھی فراہم کرتا ہے۔

Grievances & Complaints

What should I do if a hospital denies me admission or treatment?

0333-6756390 / 042-99066000 / 042-99066001
(Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM)

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Confirm that:

Your case requires admission (not OPD).

Your treatment is not among the excluded list.

Your coverage limit is not exhausted (except for emergencies).

If denial is still unjustified, contact:

Hospital Facilitation Officer (HFO) on-site

Helplines:

0800-09009 (24/7)