Bad News for Health Card Holders in Punjab
One of the top stories today concerns health card holders in Punjab, specifically those who rely on Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore. The hospital has made a shocking announcement that it will no longer provide free medicines to patients who are availing treatments through the health card. This decision has caused widespread concern among residents who depend on this vital service.
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Sheikh Zayed Hospital Stops Health Card Services
Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore has ceased to offer free medications to patients using the Punjab Health Card. The root cause is an administrative failure pointed out by the State Life Insurance Company, which informed the hospital that its health card services would no longer be supported. The hospital’s health card offices have been shut down, and no new health card applications can be processed. As a result, patients who relied on this hospital for free treatments and medicines are now left without support.
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Patients Now Required to Pay for Medicines
According to representatives of State Life Insurance, patients are now being asked to purchase medicines and medical supplies from private pharmacies. Despite the health card’s original purpose of providing free treatment, Sheikh Zayed Hospital continues to charge patients for these services. This situation has led to the complete closure of health card services within the hospital. Many patients now face the harsh reality of paying out-of-pocket for treatments they previously received for free.
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PHC Ends Collaboration with Federal Hospitals
In response to the ongoing issue, the Punjab Health Company (PHC) has announced that it will no longer collaborate with federal hospitals such as Sheikh Zayed due to their failure to provide free treatment to health card holders. According to PHC, the lack of funds and unpaid contractor dues were the primary reasons for this discontinuation. The PHC has condemned these actions and has vowed to support patients as much as possible through other healthcare institutions across the province.
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Is Health Card Service Stopped in All Hospitals in Punjab?
At present, there is no information suggesting that other hospitals in Punjab have ceased their health card services. This issue seems to be isolated to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, and the Punjab Health Card remains valid in other hospitals across the region. However, patients are advised to stay updated with any further announcements regarding this matter.
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Conclusion
The cessation of health card services at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore has left many Punjab Health Card holders in a difficult situation, unable to access necessary medical care and free medications. The Punjab Health Company’s decision to end its collaboration with the hospital highlights the financial strains that many healthcare institutions face, but patients are still hopeful for a resolution.
FAQs
1. Why has Sheikh Zayed Hospital stopped accepting health cards?
Sheikh Zayed Hospital has stopped accepting health cards due to administrative issues and a lack of funds to support free medical services.
2. Is the health card service still valid in other hospitals in Punjab?
Yes, health card services are still valid across Punjab, except for Sheikh Zayed Hospital.
3. What can patients do if they need treatment at Sheikh Zayed Hospital?
Patients will need to pay for medicines and treatments out-of-pocket or seek services at other hospitals where the health card is still accepted.
4. Why did the Punjab Health Company end its collaboration with Sheikh Zayed Hospital?
PHC ended the collaboration due to financial mismanagement and the hospital’s inability to continue offering free services under the health card scheme.
5. Can new health cards be issued at Sheikh Zayed Hospital?
No, the health card office at Sheikh Zayed Hospital is closed, and no new cards are being issued there.
6. Is there any alternative hospital in Lahore accepting health cards?
Yes, several other hospitals in Lahore continue to accept the Punjab Health Card for free treatments.
7. Are there any plans to resume health card services at Sheikh Zayed Hospital?
As of now, there are no indications that health card services will resume at Sheikh Zayed Hospital.
8. Who should patients contact for more information regarding their health card status?
Patients can contact the Punjab Health Company or visit other hospitals that are still offering health card services.
9. How can patients pay for their medicines if they don’t have a health card?
Patients will need to buy medicines from private pharmacies or explore other hospitals that accept the health card.
10. Are there any new updates regarding health card coverage in Punjab?
There have been no further updates regarding the expansion or restriction of health card coverage in other hospitals.
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