Punjab Govt Faces Losses Worth Millions over Under-Utilisation of Health Cards

It has come to light that the Punjab government has incurred significant financial losses due to the inadequate utilization of the health cards in government hospitals.

The incompetence of the primary healthcare department has been cited as a major factor contributing to this loss worth millions of rupees to the exchequer, despite the low utility of the facility. 

In December last year, more than 96,000 patients were admitted to hospital, out of which only 27,000 were treated on the health card.

The government had to spend extra money to treat 71% of patients in December. Even in January 2024, the government had to pay additional treatment costs for 71% of patients.

In February 2024, patient admissions on health cards fell by another 2%, the records show. As a consequence, the Punjab government has had to allocate additional funds from the treasury to cover the treatment expenses of a significant portion of patients in government hospitals.

Moreover, the government is also bearing the burden of paying premiums to the State Life Insurance Company.

Punjab Health Company Chief Executive Officer Ali Razzaq said they took notice of the low usage of the health card in government hospitals and have directed the hospitals to make more use of the facility.

“The use of health cards is being increased in government hospitals,” Razzaq claimed.