The Punjab government has taken significant steps to restore freehealthcare services through the Sehat Sahulat Card program. A directiveissued by the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) hasbrought about a pivotal change by eliminating the Proxy Means Test (PMT)score requirement of 44, previously obligatory for obtaining Sehat SahulatCards. PMT serves as a method commonly used to identify individuals in direneed of assistance in developing countries.
Under this new healthcare policy, every individual now has the opportunityto access essential medical and surgical treatments by making a 30 percentpayment at private empanelled hospitals participating in the Sehat SahulatProgramme in Punjab. This transformation is particularly significant as itensures that individuals facing emergencies, life-threatening illnesses,and specific medical conditions such as oncology, dialysis, thalassemia,orthopedic/neurological trauma cases, and general medical cases willreceive free treatment from the participating private hospitals.
Moreover, senior citizens aged 65 and above will also be entitled to freetreatment at these private hospitals, with the exception ofcardiology-related treatments.
The decision to eliminate the Proxy Means Test target score of 44 isnoteworthy, as it simplifies the process for individuals to access theSehat Sahulat Card. Previously, obtaining a PMT target score of 44 was aprerequisite for eligibility. Proxy Means Testing (PMT) is a widely usedmethod to identify and support those in poverty in developing countries.
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Notably, the new policy will be financially facilitated through State LifeInsurance, as confirmed by the PHIMC. This initiative signifies asubstantial advancement in healthcare accessibility for the people ofPunjab, providing them with the assurance of medical treatment during timesof need and critical health conditions.
