Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sehat Card Plus programme is facing scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities in the procurement of medicines, medical equipment and other supplies, with a report highlighting significant differences between discounts available through government procurement channels and those secured by hospitals participating in the health insurance scheme.
The report identifies potential financial losses to the public exchequer, alleging that hospitals affiliated with Sehat Card Plus have bypassed the government’s centralised procurement system and purchased medicines from local suppliers at considerably lower discounts.
According to the report, the government’s central procurement system offers discounts of up to 70 per cent on medicines, while hospitals operating under Sehat Card Plus have secured discounts of only around 15 per cent.
The disparity raises concerns about procurement efficiency, pricing practices and the financial impact of decentralised purchasing.
Moreover, the report points to the availability of a government-backed system capable of securing medicines at substantially lower prices. However, participating hospitals have reportedly continued to procure supplies independently, potentially increasing programme expenditure.
The report estimates that medicines, medical equipment and other medical supplies account for approximately 40 to 45 per cent of the Sehat Card Plus programme’s overall medical expenditure.
Consequently, even relatively small differences in procurement prices could translate into substantial additional costs for the government, particularly given the scale of the programme.
It also raises questions about whether existing procurement arrangements ensure competitive pricing and deliver value for public money.
Meanwhile, the findings have raised concerns about the monitoring of medicine prices, product quality and transparency in purchasing decisions.
The report highlights the risks associated with separate procurement arrangements, particularly where hospitals purchase supplies independently rather than through a centralised and closely monitored system.
It recommends strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure that procurement decisions remain transparent, competitive and financially sustainable.
To address the identified shortcomings, the report recommends immediately linking Sehat Card Plus procurement with the government’s central purchasing system.
It also calls for a comprehensive digital audit and an independent third-party review of medicine and medical supplies procurement.
These measures, according to the report’s recommendations, could help identify pricing discrepancies, improve accountability, strengthen quality controls and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
The findings underscore the need for a more transparent and cost-effective procurement framework to protect public funds and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s flagship healthcare programme.
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