Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired an important meeting on the Health Card Plus programme, where various proposals were discussed to make the initiative more organised, effective and sustainable.

The meeting considered a proposal to include basic health units (BHUs), rural health centres (RHCs) and Category-D hospitals that operate 24 hours a day throughout the week under the Health Card programme.

Proposals were also discussed to expand coverage for expensive medical treatments under the Health Card and gradually increase service rates.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said misuse of the Health Card facility must be prevented and hospitals should be required to follow a proper code of conduct. He said the revamping of basic health centres and district headquarters hospitals aims to provide quality healthcare facilities to people at their doorstep.

Calling the Health Card Plus a major public facility, the chief minister directed officials to take steps to improve its functioning and effectiveness. The meeting also agreed on the need to enhance the capacity of the Social Health Protection Unit.

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A proposal to introduce a top-up health package for government employees as an optional facility under the Health Card was also considered.

Sohail Afridi said health and education were among the provincial government's top priorities in line with the vision of Imran Khan. He added that the provincial government was spending significant resources to provide quality healthcare facilities to the people.

He directed that matters and initiatives related to health and education be addressed promptly, saying there was no room for unnecessary delays or obstacles.

The chief minister instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan on the proposed reforms and measures through mutual consultation and present it for consideration.

Another meeting will be held next week, where all proposals will be finalised and an effective and practical plan of action will be agreed upon.

“We will move forward with a workable and result-oriented strategy. Providing the people with the best possible healthcare facilities is our ultimate goal,” Sohail Afridi said.