Health Card Relaunched by CM Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially restarted the Punjab Sehat Card (Health Card) program across the province. This decision comes after the earlier suspension of the program by the caretaker government. The relaunch of the Sehat Card is a major step by the Punjab government to ensure that underprivileged families once again have access to free and quality healthcare.
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This comprehensive health initiative promises to provide free treatment of up to Rs. 1 million (10 lakh) per family per year at both government and selected private hospitals. From heart surgeries to other major operations, beneficiaries can avail themselves of costly medical procedures without any financial burden.
Why the Punjab Health Card Matters
The Sehat Card program was initially introduced to help families who cannot afford expensive medical treatments. With the rising costs of healthcare, it became impossible for many low-income families to get access to life-saving treatment. By relaunching the Sehat Card in 2024–2025, the Punjab government aims to:
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Provide financial protection in case of serious illness or emergencies.
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Reduce the burden on low-income households.
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Improve access to quality healthcare across all districts.
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Ensure dignified and transparent medical treatment for the poor.
This initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of a welfare state where no citizen is denied medical care due to financial limitations.
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Re-Issuance of the Punjab Health Card
Under the new instructions by CM Maryam Nawaz, the health card will be reissued only to deserving and eligible families. The government has collected data from the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to identify families living in poverty. These families are being verified again through an updated eligibility check before receiving access to the Sehat Card.
A dedicated SMS registration code 8500 has been launched to facilitate easy registration.
How to Register Using 8500 Code
To check your eligibility and register for the health card:
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Open the SMS box on your mobile phone.
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Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without spaces or dashes).
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Send the CNIC to 8500.
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Wait for a confirmation SMS from the Punjab Health Department.
If you are found eligible, you will be notified, and the Sehat Card will be issued in your name. Once registered, you will be able to receive free medical treatment from any participating hospital.
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Eligibility Criteria
The Sehat Card is targeted only toward deserving low-income families who meet the strict eligibility requirements set by the Punjab government. The main purpose is to ensure that only genuinely poor families benefit from the program.
You are eligible if:
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You are a resident of Punjab.
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You are not employed in any government job.
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Your monthly income is below Rs. 30,000.
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You do not own a house or live in rented accommodation.
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You have no private health insurance or corporate medical policy.
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Your family consists of at least 6 to 7 members.
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You are listed in the poverty database (PMT score-based).
Families that do not meet these criteria will not be issued a Sehat Card.
Required Documents for Registration
To register for the Sehat Card, you must have the following documents:
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Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
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Registered mobile number in the name of the applicant.
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Your poverty PMT (Proxy Means Test) score, as recorded in government databases.
Make sure all your documents are up-to-date before applying. Any mismatch in information may lead to rejection of your application.
You Can Also Read: Check Your BISP 8171 Results Online With CNIC Complete Guide 2025
District-Wise Rollout of Sehat Card
As per CM Maryam Nawaz’s announcement, the Sehat Card will initially be distributed in selected districts of Punjab. The government has set a timeline of three months for full implementation across the province.
In the first phase, districts with the highest poverty rates will be prioritized. After successful rollout and verification, the program will be extended to the remaining districts.
This phased implementation ensures that resources are used efficiently, and eligible families receive the services without delay.
Healthcare Coverage and Treatments Offered
Once issued, the Punjab Sehat Card allows the cardholder and their family to receive cashless treatment worth up to Rs. 1,000,000 per year. Some of the major medical services covered under this program include:
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Cardiac surgeries (heart operations)
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Dialysis
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Cancer treatment
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Orthopedic surgeries (bones, joints)
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C-section and maternity services
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Emergency services and trauma care
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General hospital admissions and diagnostics
Both public and selected private hospitals will provide treatment under this scheme. The list of empaneled hospitals will be available on the official Punjab Health Department website and helpline.
Government Budget Allocation for Health Card 2025
In the Punjab Budget 2025, a total of Rs. 50 billion has been allocated by CM Maryam Nawaz specifically for the Sehat Card program. This budget will cover:
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Hospital expenses for eligible patients.
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Partnership with private hospitals and insurance providers.
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Technical systems for verifying beneficiaries and issuing cards.
The government is also in the process of signing agreements with insurance companies to ensure smooth implementation and hassle-free service delivery.
Punjab Government’s Efforts for Transparency and Efficiency
To ensure transparency, the Punjab government has established a monitoring committee. This committee oversees:
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Registration and eligibility verification.
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Hospital services and complaints.
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Data security and fraud prevention.
Digital systems have also been introduced to track the use of health cards, monitor service quality, and prevent misuse of government funds.
How to Use the Punjab Health Card
Once you receive your card, follow these steps to avail free medical services:
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Visit any authorized hospital listed under the Sehat Card program.
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Show your original CNIC and Sehat Card at the hospital’s Sehat Sahulat counter.
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Hospital staff will verify your information in the system.
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Once verified, you can receive treatment without paying anything upfront.
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All treatment costs will be covered directly by the government through the insurance company.
Final Words
The relaunch of the Punjab Health Card by CM Maryam Nawaz marks a significant step towards social welfare and universal healthcare in the province. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied medical treatment due to poverty.
If you or your family meet the eligibility criteria, don’t delay your registration. Send your CNIC number to 8500 today and secure access to free, high-quality healthcare across Punjab.
With this card, families can live without the constant fear of unaffordable hospital bills and lead healthier, more dignified lives.
You Can Also Read: See the Complete Guide to the BISP 8171 Eligible Districts List 2025 August Eligibility Criteria
FAQs
1. Is the Sehat Health Card available in all districts?
Not yet. It is being rolled out in phases and will be available across all districts within three months.
2. What is the SMS registration code?
The registration code is 8500. Send your CNIC number to this code to check eligibility.
3. Is there a fee to get the card?
No, the registration and issuance of the card are completely free.
4. Can private hospital treatments be covered?
Yes, but only in hospitals approved by the Punjab government under the Sehat program.
5. Can every member of the family use the card?
Yes, all registered family members listed under your CNIC record can use the health card benefits.