KPK to receive transplants, cancer care through SSP

PESHAWAR: The health department collaborated with two private institutes to make free liver transplants a reality for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) residents alongside plans involving Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH) for free cancer medication under the Sehat Sahulat Programme (SSP).

“We would be going into contract with two private hospitals in Islamabad and Lahore for free liver transplant of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Everything will be finalized soon so that patients would be able to receive free of cost transplants and aftercare in both health facilities,” Health department officials state.

So far, 6,030,000 patients have received free treatment under the programme costing Rs16 billion, initially covering three per cent of the population in certain KPK districts, which was extended to 69 per cent in November last year. The government has now commenced free health coverage to the entire population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Representatives say no patient could be excluded from free treatment as the program is a humanitarian effort to provide services to all.
There are eight hospitals for cancer treatment in SSP, including five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one each in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Still, due to SKMCH’s far spread reputation, the patients want to be treated there.

“People are requesting cashless services in SKMCH, but they aren’t entitled to treatment because we have not signed a contract with the hospital,” said officials.