Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has ordered an immediate inquiry into reports that several hospitals in Karachi and other cities have stopped providing treatment to patients from Balochistan under the provincial Health Card scheme.
According to officials, the chief minister took serious notice of complaints circulating in the media and expressed strong displeasure over the reported suspension of services. He directed provincial health authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and submit a detailed report.
“Under no circumstances should the treatment of patients from Balochistan be stopped under the Health Card scheme introduced by the provincial government,” the chief minister said, while also ordering that all outstanding hospital dues be cleared without delay.
Health Card Program and Coverage
The State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) Health Card Program was officially launched in Balochistan in November 2023, aiming to ensure universal healthcare access for the province’s population.
Under the scheme:
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2.3 million families are covered
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Each family is entitled to up to Rs1 million per year for medical treatment
Dues Dispute and Suspension of Services
Reports surfaced in the media that several private hospitals had stopped treating patients under the Health Card program due to non-payment of dues by the provincial finance department.
According to sources:
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The Health Card program reportedly owes around Rs6 billion to State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan
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Out of this, Rs5 billion in payments have allegedly not been released by the finance department
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As a result, private hospitals in Balochistan and Karachi suspended treatment for Health Card patients
Officials from State Life Insurance stated that multiple reminders and letters were sent to the provincial finance department seeking clearance of pending payments, but the issue remained unresolved.
Government Response
Following the chief minister’s intervention, provincial authorities have been instructed to:
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Probe the causes behind the suspension of Health Card services
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Fix responsibility for delays in payments
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Ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients from Balochistan at all panel hospitals
The provincial government maintains that the Health Card scheme remains a flagship social protection initiative, and any disruption in healthcare services for citizens will not be tolerated.
