T P Report
PESHAWAR: In what is being termed a milestone in public healthcare, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday launched the “Jwandoon OPD Card” to provide free outpatient department (OPD) services to deserving citizens for the first time in the province’s history.
The initiative was formally inaugurated by provincial Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali during a ceremony held at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Takht Bhai, district Mardan. The event was attended by key officials, including Dr Riaz Tanoli, CEO of the Sehat Sahulat Program, Dr Shoaib, DHO Mardan, Dr Akhunzada Imran Johar, MS THQ, and Dr Nabi Jan, President of the Insaf Doctors Forum.
Speaking at the occasion, Health Advisor described the program as a major step towards accessible healthcare, saying the Jwandoon Card was “not just a service but a promise of dignity” for the common citizen.
“For the first time, outpatient consultations, diagnostic services, and essential medicines will be provided free of cost under a government-supported scheme,” he said.
Until now, the government’s flagship Sehat Card Plus covered only inpatient treatments. The new jwandoon Card extends coverage to outpatient services, which account for the majority of public health needs.
Giving details advisor health told that the programme is being rolled out initially in Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Chitral, in collaboration with the German development agency KfW. In Mardan alone, more than 50,000 low-income families are expected to benefit, with over 60 public and private health facilities being enlisted to provide services.
The health advisor noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening public service delivery in underserved areas.
According to Advisor, the provincial government has allocated Rs. 2 billion for the programme. He further stated that while the Punjab government has discontinued its health card scheme, the KP government has increased the budget for Sehat Card Plus from Rs 35 billion to Rs 41 billion.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, he said, had made a promise to provide free healthcare to the people — a commitment that is now being realized.
Citizens can check their eligibility for the Jwandoon OPD Card by sending their CNIC number to 9930 via SMS. Those found eligible will be able to avail free treatment at the nearest registered healthcare facility.
Ihtisham Ali reiterated that the programme reflects the broader vision of PTI founder Imran Khan, whose politics, he said, “focuses not on the elite, but on the welfare of ordinary people.”
