SUDHNOTI (Kashmir English): The Health Card Service for 1.2 million families in Azad Jammu and Kashmir(AJK) is still not restored, even after 15 months, causing severe difficulties for patients and their families
According to a report by Kashmir Digital, over 1.2 million families in Azad Kashmir have been unable to access healthcare treatment for the past 15 months, resulting in severe hardships for patients and their families.
People with cancer, kidney diseases and other medical conditions struggle intensely because they must use private healthcare facilities for their care. The healthcare expenses have created an additional financial challenge for patients together with their families.
Kashmir Digital interviewed regional citizens who asserted that health cards delivered regular medical services in the past so they pleaded with the government to reinstall health card medical facilities immediately. They emphasized that restoration is crucial for ensuring that everyone receives the necessary medical attention without financial strain.
It is important to note that the State Life Insurance Company had suspended its services in Azad Kashmir due to unpaid dues, leading to the discontinuation of the health card. In response, the Azad Kashmir government announced plans to introduce a new health card using its own resources.
Before the last budget, Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq had announced the restoration of the health card, but no funds were allocated for this initiative.The government repeatedly assured the public about returning medical benefits through the health card yet failed to deliver on its promises.
Dr Nisar Ansar Abidali delivered a promise of health card restoration during his interview with Kashmir Digital, yet no steps were taken to make his assurance a reality.
The people are becoming more worried as time passes because the government keeps extending its delays to bring back the health card and people want urgent steps toward solving these issues.
