Explore everything about Pakistan’s NADRA-issued “Qaumi Sehat Card”—a free national health insurance initiative. Learn how to apply, eligibility, benefits, usage, and more in this complete guide for international readers.
Introduction
The Qaumi Sehat Card, also known as the National Health Card of Pakistan, is a revolutionary initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan to provide free health coverage to millions of citizens. Managed by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) in collaboration with the Sehat Sahulat Program under the Ministry of National Health Services, this card aims to remove financial barriers to healthcare.
This comprehensive blog post explains what the Sehat Card is, who is eligible, what treatments are covered, how to check your status, and how U.S.-based readers or Pakistanis abroad can help their families in Pakistan benefit from it.
What is NADRA’s Qaumi Sehat Card?
The Qaumi Sehat Card is a health insurance card that enables eligible citizens to receive completely free medical treatment from empaneled private and public hospitals across Pakistan. Each family registered under the card is entitled to medical coverage of up to Rs. 1 million per year.
The program is particularly impactful for low- and middle-income families, aiming to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare without out-of-pocket expenses.
Purpose of the Sehat Card
- To provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures
- To ensure universal health coverage across Pakistan
- To support the poor and vulnerable segments of society
- To reduce healthcare inequalities
Who Manages the Sehat Card?
The initiative is run under the Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP), supervised by the Ministry of National Health Services, with technical support from NADRA for registration and verification. The State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan manages the insurance payouts to hospitals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Qaumi Sehat Card
The eligibility for the Sehat Card is determined by NADRA using the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database. Here are the major criteria:
- Must be a Pakistani citizen.
- Must be registered with NADRA with a valid CNIC.
- Belong to a designated income group or province under the program’s rollout (e.g., Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan).
- Some areas have universal coverage, while others rely on poverty thresholds.
To check your eligibility:
- Send your CNIC number via SMS to 8500
How to Apply for Sehat Card in Pakistan
If you meet the criteria, there is no need to apply—your CNIC acts as your Sehat Card. However, to receive a printed version or use hospital services, follow these steps:
- Check eligibility by sending CNIC number to 8500.
- If eligible, visit the nearest Sehat Card Distribution Center or hospital booth.
- Bring your original CNIC and B-Form (for children).
- Get medical services at empaneled hospitals across Pakistan.
Services Covered Under the Sehat Card
The Sehat Card covers in-patient health services, surgeries, and treatment for major illnesses. Here’s a breakdown of the services:
| Medical Coverage | Included Services |
|---|---|
| Secondary Care | Emergency services, maternity care, fracture management, appendectomy, etc. |
| Tertiary Care | Cancer treatment, cardiovascular surgeries, dialysis, organ failure treatments, neurosurgeries, etc. |
| Maternity Benefits | Antenatal checkups, C-section, normal delivery, and postnatal care. |
Each family is covered up to Rs. 1,000,000 per year.
How to Use the Sehat Card
Follow these steps when you or a family member need to use the card:
- Visit a panel hospital listed on the Sehat Card website.
- Show your CNIC at the Sehat Card Desk.
- Hospital staff will verify your eligibility through the system.
- Upon approval, receive free treatment—no upfront payment required.
How U.S.-Based Pakistanis Can Help
Pakistani-Americans can:
- Verify family eligibility by helping them send their CNIC number to 8500.
- Guide relatives in understanding how to use the card.
- Support elderly family members by connecting them to local Sehat Sahulat offices or helplines.
This program is crucial for families back home struggling with medical expenses.
Sehat Card Contact & Helpline Information
- Sehat Sahulat Program Helpline: 0800-09009
- SMS Service: Send CNIC to 8500
- Website: www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk
Sehat Card Benefits at a Glance
- Rs. 1 million yearly family coverage
- Free treatments for chronic, acute, and emergency conditions
- Available in public and private hospitals
- No paperwork or bribes required
- Covers maternity, surgeries, cancer, cardiac, dialysis, and more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Qaumi Sehat Card?
The Qaumi Sehat Card is a government-issued health insurance initiative offering free treatment to eligible Pakistani families.
Who can get a Sehat Card?
Citizens with valid CNICs registered in eligible regions or falling under NSER poverty criteria.
Do I need to apply separately for the card?
No. If you are eligible, your CNIC number is already linked to the Sehat Card system.
How do I check if I am eligible?
Send your CNIC number to 8500 via SMS.
What is the coverage amount of the card?
Up to Rs. 1 million annually per family.
Can I use the card in private hospitals?
Yes, provided the hospital is listed under the Sehat Sahulat Program.
Is the Sehat Card available in all provinces?
It is available in KP, Punjab, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan and Sindh.
Does the card cover outpatient services?
No, only in-patient and hospitalization services are covered.
Is cancer treatment included?
Yes, cancer diagnosis and treatment are fully covered.
Can overseas Pakistanis use this card?
Only if they are present in Pakistan and registered in the NSER database with a valid CNIC.
Are children covered under the Sehat Card?
Yes, children are covered under their parents’ eligibility using B-Form data.
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