Fact Check: Health Card suspended in Punjab?

There have been several viral social media posts claiming that the health card has been suspended in Punjab. The posts contained a notification which stated that Sehat Sahulat Card Program has been suspended in Punjab.

All the posts circulating on several social media platforms are false as the health or Sehat Sahulat card has not been suspended in Punjab.

According to sources, a misinformation chain started after one individual had posted news that the Sehat Sahulat Program has been suspended for Punjab.

Sources confirm that indeed the Sehat Sahulat Program has not been suspended for Punjab but the government has introduced a new policy regarding it.

The new policy states that the Sehat Sahulat Program will not finance 60% expenses if the applicant visits a private hospital. It means that the individual will need to pay 40% expenses while 60% expenses will be paid by the government.

The Sehat Sahulat Program provided free healthcare to individuals in both public and private hospitals. The bearer of the Sehat Sahulat Card wouldn’t have to pay charges for their healthcare services.

However, the new policy now states that the individual will need to pay 40% expenses if he or she visits a private hospital and the remaining 60% expense will be covered by the government. 

For Public hospitals, the policy is still the same as it was before, the government will provide free healthcare.