PESHAWAR – The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched the Zhwandun OPD Card under the Sehat Card Plus programme. The new initiative aims to expand free healthcare services across the province.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali, launched the pilot phase on Monday. The event took place at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Takht Bhai, Mardan. Local members of the national and provincial assemblies, district leaders, and senior health officials attended the ceremony.
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Free outpatient care for low-income citizens
The Zhwandun OPD Card allows low-income and vulnerable people to access free outpatient consultations and essential medicines at public hospitals. The government has significantly expanded the programme, which previously covered only inpatient treatment.
“This card is not just a service—it is a promise of dignity, hope, and a better quality of life,” said Ihtisham Ali. “Healthcare is a fundamental right. Our government will deliver that right to every citizen’s doorstep.”
The provincial government has allocated 2 billion rupees [7.14mn US dollars] for the scheme. Citizens can check eligibility by sending their national identity card number via SMS to 9930.
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The pilot phase started in Mardan. Thousands of families are expected to benefit. Authorities will expand the programme to Kohat, Chitral, and Malakand in the coming months.
Officials said the initiative reflects a major shift in health policy. It targets the outpatient burden that keeps low-income patients from getting care due to high costs. The health department confirmed that basic medicines prescribed during OPD visits will be given free to eligible patients.
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Health professionals and community leaders praised the launch. They believe it will ease financial pressure on poor families. It is also expected to rebuild trust in government hospitals. The government urged citizens to cooperate with the registration process. It has promised transparent implementation and proper monitoring.
