CRITICAL EVALUATION OF SEHAT SAHULAT CARD AND STRATEGIZING SEHAT SCHOOL INITIATIVE: LESSONS LEARNT AND WAY FORWARD

Abstract

The Sehat Sahulat Card is a government initiative aimed at providing health insurance to underprivileged families in Pakistan. Its primary objective is to improve access to quality healthcare services, thereby reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on the low-income households. The Sehat School Initiative is a proposed extension of this program, focusing on promoting health education and preventive healthcare practices among school children. This study utilizes the qualitative approach by incorporating qualitative data. Quantitative data is gathered from government health databases, insurance claims records, and surveys conducted among beneficiaries of Sehat Sahulat Card. The results provide significant information in reaching the conclusion. Sehat Sahulat Card has significantly increased access to healthcare services of underprivileged families, leading toward reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Key challenges identified are logistical issues in card distribution, limited awareness amid potential beneficiaries, and constraints in healthcare infrastructure coupled with financial crunch. It is advised that there is a need to strengthen healthcare setup and capacity-building initiatives by pouring in more finances to support the increased demand generated by Sehat Sahulat Card.