Pakistan’s public healthcare system has always struggled with one fundamental problem — families delay or avoid treatment simply because they cannot afford hospital bills. A surgery that costs PKR 300,000, a cancer treatment running into lakhs, dialysis sessions every week — these are not luxuries. They are life-or-death necessities. And for millions of low and middle-income families across the country, they have historically been completely out of reach.
The Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 exists to change that reality. Under this government-funded health insurance initiative, eligible Pakistani families can receive cashless inpatient medical treatment worth up to PKR 1,000,000 per year at empaneled hospitals — without paying a single rupee from their own pocket at the time of treatment. No advance payment. No reimbursement paperwork. No middlemen. Just your CNIC at the hospital desk and treatment begins.
If you or someone in your family has been postponing medical care because of cost, this guide is written specifically for you. I have put together everything you need to know about the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 — what it covers, who qualifies, which hospitals are included, and exactly how to use it.
About the Sehat Sahulat Program — Background and Scope
The Sehat Sahulat Program traces its roots to the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme launched in December 2015. Over successive governments and phases of implementation, it has evolved into Pakistan’s most significant social health insurance initiative — covering millions of families across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Capital Territory, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan.
The program operates on a third-party insurance model where the Government of Pakistan bears all costs. State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) serves as the primary administrator — handling hospital reimbursements, managing the empaneled hospital network, and overseeing benefit monitoring. This structure means the government pays hospitals directly for treatment provided to cardholders. Patients never see a bill.
In 2026, the Sehat Sahulat Program has undergone significant digital improvements. Biometric verification at hospital admission, real-time CNIC-based eligibility checking, the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card mobile app for hospital lookup, and expanded hospital networks across underserved districts have all been added or upgraded. The program now covers over 1,200 empaneled hospitals nationwide — including both public government hospitals and private institutions — ensuring that geographic location is no longer a barrier to accessing coverage.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Sehat Sahulat Program / PM Health Card 2026 |
| Implementing Authority | Government of Pakistan / State Life Insurance Corporation |
| Annual Coverage Limit | PKR 1,000,000 per family per year |
| Type of Coverage | Inpatient (IPD) treatment only |
| Physical Card Required | No — CNIC works as the health card |
| Payment at Hospital | None — fully cashless |
| Empaneled Hospitals | 1,200+ across Pakistan |
| KPK Coverage | 10.6 million families — universal eligibility |
| Eligibility Check SMS | Send CNIC to 8500 |
| Official Portal | www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk |
What Does the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 Cover?
This is the question most people ask first — and understandably so. The Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 covers a broad range of serious, high-cost medical conditions that would push most Pakistani families into financial crisis if they had to pay out of pocket.
Covered Treatments (Inpatient Only)
Surgical Care
Any major or minor surgery carried out at an empaneled hospital falls under the program — from routine procedures like appendix removal and hernia repair to more complex orthopedic and neurological operations.
Heart and Vascular Diseases
Cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, coronary bypass surgery, stent placement, and related heart procedures are fully covered. Heart disease remains Pakistan’s leading cause of death, which makes this one of the most practically impactful parts of the program for ordinary families.
Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer surgery, and related oncology procedures are included. Cancer treatment costs in Pakistan can run anywhere from PKR 500,000 to over PKR 1,000,000 across a full treatment course — coverage here removes what is often an impossible financial burden.
Kidney Diseases
Dialysis sessions and kidney transplantation at approved centers are part of the coverage. Given how heavily kidney disease has grown as a health burden — particularly across Sindh and Punjab — this benefit carries real weight for affected families.
Maternity Services
Normal deliveries, C-sections, and hospitalization for maternity complications are all covered. For low-income households where cost is frequently the reason maternal care gets delayed or skipped entirely, this is a genuinely important inclusion.
Emergency and Accident Care
Emergency treatment following accidents, trauma, or acute medical crises requiring immediate hospitalization is covered — and this applies regardless of which district you are in when the emergency happens. Any empaneled hospital across Pakistan can provide covered treatment in these situations.
Hepatitis B and C
Treatment for both Hepatitis B and C that requires hospitalization is included within the coverage framework.
Bone Marrow and Liver Transplants
At approved centers, bone marrow transplantation including post-transplant care, and liver transplantation for end-stage liver failure, are both covered under the program.
Diabetes Complications
Hospitalization needed for acute diabetic complications — diabetic foot, ketoacidosis, and similar presentations — is covered.
What Is NOT Covered
Knowing the limits of the program matters just as much as knowing what it includes:
- OPD visits and routine checkups are not covered — this is strictly an inpatient program
- Cosmetic procedures and elective non-medical surgeries are excluded
- Medicines bought outside the hospital during outpatient treatment are not reimbursed
- Dental treatment is generally not covered unless it is directly linked to an accident or emergency
Province-Wise Coverage — Who Is Eligible Where
Coverage under the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 is not the same everywhere — each province has handled implementation differently. Here is where things stand right now.
Punjab
Punjab runs its own Sehat Card through the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC). Who qualifies is determined by household data and socioeconomic standing — most low and lower-middle income families find themselves already enrolled without having to apply. The hospital network covers both government and private empaneled facilities across all 36 districts. Check your status at: https://phimc.punjab.gov.pk
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Of all provinces, KPK has moved furthest. The Sehat Card Plus KP pulls in all 10.6 million NADRA-registered families in the province — nearly every household is in. When you need treatment, you are not limited to KPK hospitals either — any empaneled facility across Pakistan works. Want to check if you qualify? Send your CNIC to 9780 and you will get a reply.
Islamabad Capital Territory
Islamabad residents with a CNIC permanent address in ICT can walk into empaneled hospitals in the capital for covered treatment. On the government side, PIMS and FGPC are included. Private hospitals like Kulsum International and Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital are also part of the network.
AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan
Both regions are mid-rollout. New empaneled facilities are being added as 2026 progresses — coverage is there but still expanding.
Balochistan and Sindh
Balochistan’s federal coverage is still being rolled out. Sindh is a separate case — federal SSP coverage there is limited, and residents are better served by looking into Sindh’s own provincial health programs, which are more developed for local needs.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Three ways to check — no office visit required:
Method 1 — SMS
Send your 13-digit CNIC to 8500. Within moments you will know your enrollment status and what your annual limit looks like. KPK residents use 9780 for Sehat Card Plus KP specifically.
Method 2 — Official Portal
Visit www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk and enter your CNIC. Your eligibility details come up along with empaneled hospitals in your area.
Method 3 — Mobile App
The Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card app on Google Play Store handles everything in one place — eligibility checks, hospital finder, treatment history, and complaint filing. Download it and you rarely need to call anyone.
How to Use the Sehat Sahulat Card at a Hospital
There is no physical card to carry, which is actually one of the program’s most practical features. Your CNIC is your Sehat Card. Here is exactly what to do when you need treatment:
- Confirm the hospital is empaneled before visiting — use the app, portal, or call the helpline to verify. Visiting a non-empaneled hospital means you will not receive covered treatment there
- Go to the hospital’s Sehat Sahulat Counter or Health Desk — every empaneled hospital has a dedicated desk for program beneficiaries
- Present your original CNIC — the hospital staff will enter your CNIC into their system for verification
- Biometric verification — your thumbprint will be verified at the hospital desk to confirm your identity
- Treatment begins — once verification is complete, you are admitted and treatment proceeds without any payment from your side
- Discharge — you leave without paying a hospital bill; the government reimburses the hospital directly
- Keep your CNIC with you throughout — it may be checked again during the hospital stay
Hospital Network — Where You Can Get Treatment
The Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 now operates across 1,200+ empaneled hospitals including:
Government Hospitals — PIMS Islamabad, Services Hospital Lahore, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Civil Hospital Karachi (for applicable coverage areas), and major district hospitals across Punjab and KPK
Major Private Hospitals — Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital Karachi, Kulsum International Islamabad, Quaid-e-Azam International, Ittefaq Hospital Lahore, and hundreds of other private facilities across all covered regions
Specialty Centers — Dedicated dialysis centers, cardiac surgery facilities, cancer treatment centers, and transplant hospitals approved under the program
To download the complete updated hospital list by district: www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk → Hospital List → Select your district → Download PDF
What to Do If a Hospital Refuses Treatment
It happens more than it should. Some hospitals claim the system is down, ask for partial payment, or simply refuse without giving a clear reason. If you run into any of this:
- Call the Sehat Sahulat helpline straight away — the number is on the official portal and in the app
- Use the complaint feature inside the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card app — it is built in specifically for situations like this
- Reach out to SLIC — State Life Insurance Corporation handles hospital contracts and has the authority to step in when disputes arise
Whatever happens, do not pay. This program exists so that families never have to hand over money at a hospital counter. Any empaneled hospital asking for payment is violating the terms they signed up to.
Why This Program Matters — A Practical Perspective
The Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 is not without its flaws. Hospital lists shift, implementation is uneven across regions, and coverage gaps exist depending on where you live. But none of that changes what the program has already done for real families. People who would have sold land or taken loans to cover heart surgery have walked out of hospitals without paying a rupee. Dialysis patients who had no path to regular treatment are now getting sessions every week.
If there is someone in your household dealing with a chronic illness, or an aging parent, or if one serious medical event could genuinely upend your family’s finances — send your CNIC to 8500 right now. It takes thirty seconds to find out whether you are covered.
If you are eligible, pass that information on. Let family members know which hospitals are in the network near you. Store the helpline number somewhere you can find it quickly. The coverage exists — but it only reaches people who know it is there.
Contact Information
- Eligibility SMS: Send CNIC to 8500
- KPK Sehat Card Plus: Send CNIC to 9780
- Official Website: www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk
- Punjab PHIMC Portal: https://phimc.punjab.gov.pk
- KPK Sehat Card Plus: www.sehatsahulat.com.pk
- Mobile App: Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card (Google Play)
- Pak Public Portal: https://pakpublicportal.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 and how does it work?
Pakistan’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. Eligible families get up to PKR 1,000,000 per year in free inpatient treatment at empaneled hospitals. The government settles payments with hospitals through State Life Insurance Corporation — patients just show their CNIC at the health desk, verify with a thumbprint, and treatment begins. No cash changes hands. Over 1,200 hospitals are part of the network across Punjab, KPK, ICT, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
2. Do I need a separate card to use the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026?
No card needed. Your CNIC is your Sehat Sahulat card at every empaneled hospital. The program was built this way deliberately — so no family loses access simply because a physical card never arrived or got misplaced. A valid CNIC and confirmed eligibility in the system is all you need.
3. How do I check if I am eligible for the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026?
Send your 13-digit CNIC to 8500 by SMS — a reply comes back instantly with your status. The official portal at pmhealthprogram.gov.pk works too, as does the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card app which also shows nearby empaneled hospitals on a map. KPK residents specifically should text their CNIC to 9780 for Sehat Card Plus KP.
4. Does the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 cover OPD visits and routine checkups?
No — and this is the part most people get wrong. Coverage only kicks in when you are admitted as an inpatient. Outpatient visits, routine consultations, and medicines bought outside the hospital are not part of the program. Keep this in mind before assuming a regular doctor visit is covered.
6. Which provinces are covered under the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026?
Punjab and KPK have the widest coverage. KPK’s Sehat Card Plus covers all 10.6 million registered families universally. Punjab works through PHIMC with eligibility tied to socioeconomic data. ICT residents with Islamabad on their CNIC are covered. AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan have phased coverage in place. Sindh’s federal SSP coverage is limited — residents there should look into Sindh’s own provincial health programs separately.
6. Can I use the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 in a city different from where my CNIC is registered?
For emergencies, yes — any empaneled hospital anywhere in Pakistan can provide covered treatment if you are in a medical crisis away from home. For planned treatment, you are generally expected to use hospitals within your covered region. The emergency provision makes sure you are never stranded without coverage because of where you happen to be.
7. What should I do if a hospital in the empaneled list refuses to treat me?
Call the helpline on pmhealthprogram.gov.pk immediately. You can also submit a complaint through the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card app. Do not pay anything — empaneled hospitals are contractually required to provide covered treatment without charging patients. Any demand for payment is a violation of their agreement with the program.
8. Is there a limit on how many times I can use the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 in a year?
The annual limit is PKR 1,000,000 per family. Within that amount, there is no cap on the number of admissions or visits. Multiple hospitalizations in a single year are all covered until the limit runs out. When the year resets, full coverage comes back.
9. How many hospitals are in the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 network?
Over 1,200 hospitals nationwide as of 2026 — both government and private. The 2026 update added facilities in smaller districts to take pressure off major city hospitals. The full district-wise list is available at pmhealthprogram.gov.pk, or you can search by location through the app’s map feature.
Disclaimer
All the details about the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026 on Pak Public Portal are taken from government sources and the PM Health Program website. We also got information from State Life Insurance Corporation materials and other research that people can see. Pak Public Portal is its thing and it does not work with the Government of Pakistan or State Life Insurance Corporation or any group that deals with health.
The rules about who can get help and what hospitalsre part of the program can change. So you should always check if you can get help and which hospitals are part of the program by going to www.pmhealthprogram.gov.pk or by sending a text message with your CNIC to 8500 before you go to any hospital.
Pak Public Portal is not responsible if the information on our website is different, from the rules of the Sehat Sahulat Program 2026.