Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) May Suspend Sehat Card Services Due to Unpaid Bills in 2025. The Health Card Program has been a lifeline for thousands of patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), offering free medical treatment at public and private hospitals. However, recent financial delays have put the program at risk. The Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Sehat Card suspension has been announced, with the hospital stating it may stop providing services under the health card from October 1, 2025. This development raises serious concerns for patients who rely on free cardiac treatment across KP.
PIC to Suspend Sehat Card Services: Key Details
According to an official letter from Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, the hospital has formally informed State Life Insurance Corporation that it will no longer offer treatment under the Sehat Card Program starting October 1, 2025.
Reason Behind the Suspension
- Unpaid dues exceeding Rs 1.5 billion
- Delayed payments from State Life Insurance
- Disruption in hospital operations due to financial pressure
This decision highlights the growing financial crisis in KP’s healthcare system and the challenges faced by hospitals in sustaining free services.
Financial Crisis Affecting Hospital Operations
The PIC administration has revealed that unpaid bills are severely impacting essential hospital functions, including:
- Availability of medicines and cardiac equipment
- Staffing and operational efficiency
- Critical services such as heart surgeries and emergency care
Despite repeated reminders, State Life Insurance has not provided a payment schedule or renewed its agreements with PIC.
Table: Impact of Unpaid Bills on Hospital Operations
| Affected Area | Current Status / Impact |
|---|---|
| Medicine Supply | Shortages reported |
| Cardiac Equipment | Limited availability |
| Staff & Management | Operational stress |
| Patient Services | Delays in treatment and surgeries |
| Financial Stability | Unpaid bills > Rs 1.5 billion |
Provincial Government’s Role
The root cause of this crisis is delayed government funds. The KP provincial government has not released Rs 12 billion owed to State Life Insurance, which directly affects hospitals like PIC.
Without these funds:
- State Life cannot settle hospital bills
- Hospitals face operational disruptions
- Patients experience delays in receiving free cardiac care
Health Department Acknowledges the Problem
Officials from the KP Health Department have confirmed the financial challenges, stating:
- Efforts are ongoing to release pending funds
- Work is being done to renew agreements with hospitals
- No official timeline has been confirmed for clearing dues
This shows a commitment to continue the Health Card Program, but patients are currently at risk of service interruptions.
What This Means for Patients
The potential suspension of Sehat Card services at PIC could have serious implications:
- Delayed cardiac surgeries for critical patients
- Forced out-of-pocket expenses at private hospitals
- Travel to other cities for Sehat Card-affiliated treatment
- Increased financial and emotional burden on families
Bullet Points: Patient Challenges
- Difficulty accessing life-saving cardiac care
- Risk of worsening heart conditions due to delays
- Extra costs for private treatments or travel
- Dependence on alternative hospitals with limited capacity
FAQs
Q1: Why is PIC suspending Sehat Card services?
A: Due to unpaid bills exceeding Rs 1.5 billion by State Life Insurance, PIC is unable to continue services under the Health Card Program from October 1, 2025.
Q2: How does the financial delay affect patients?
A: Patients may face delays in surgeries, out-of-pocket expenses, and may have to travel to other hospitals, risking their health and finances.
Q3: Is the KP Health Department taking action?
A: Yes, the department is working to release funds and renew agreements with hospitals, but no confirmed timeline has been given.
Q4: Can patients still use Sehat Card at other hospitals?
A: Yes, but availability may be limited and patients may face longer waiting times for treatment.
Q5: How can patients stay updated about PIC Sehat Card services?
A: Follow official KP Health Department announcements and check hospital notices regularly for updates.
Conclusion
The potential suspension of Sehat Card services at PIC is a serious concern for cardiac patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The financial delay from State Life Insurance, combined with pending provincial government funds, is disrupting healthcare operations and putting patients at risk.
