Non- payment: PIC halts operations on Sehat Card

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) has suspended surgeries due to unpaid dues associated with the Sehat Sahulat Card, its spokesperson revealed.

According to Riffat Anjum, elective heart operations have been halted for the past two days, forcing patients with cardiac conditions to face mounting difficulties. “Only emergency heart procedures are currently being conducted,” he said.

The institute typically performs up to 70 procedures daily, including angiography and angioplasty, and an average of eight major open heart surgeries.

However, the insurance company backing the health card scheme has pending arrears amounting to Rs1.20 billion, affecting the purchase and availability of essential surgical equipment, the PIC spokesperson maintained.

Furthermore, the management of the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology has expressed concerns over the inadequate rates provided by the Sehat Sahulat Card.