Evaluating the Sehat Sahulat Card Program: A Study on Social Protection and Health Equity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The study assesses the social protection program of Sehat Sahulat Card (Health Facilitation Card) for low incoming families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The Sehat Sahulat Card (SSC thereafter) is an initiative created for low-income families and gives free access to healthcare services, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). By concentrating on the program's accessibility, service quality, and obstacles experienced by recipients, Using T.H. Marshall’s Theory of Social Rights & Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Service Framework, this study investigates the efficiency of the SSC program at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar. In-depth interviews with 30 respondents including patients, patients’ attendants, and healthcare professionals were conducted as part of a qualitative study design. The results show that even though the SSC has greatly reduced the financial burden for many low-income families, several issues such as low awareness campaigns, ineffective administrative procedures, a lack of transparency, and insufficient coverage of emergencies and outpatient services hinder their overall success. Based on the publication, the program should be expanded to cover outpatient treatments, transparency and accountability should be improved, awareness campaigns should be strengthened, and strong monitoring and evaluation systems should be established. By overcoming these problems, the SSC may more closely adhere to the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and provide equitable healthcare access to all marginalized communities.