The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) has demanded a comprehensive, independent audit of the Sehat Card Plus programme, alongside investigations into alleged financial irregularities in public health institutions across the province.
In a 20-point reform proposal submitted to the Adviser for Health, Lieutenant General (retd) Dr Nigar Johar Khan, PDA President Dr Amir Taj Khan called for sweeping reforms in healthcare governance, doctors’ service matters and public health service delivery.
Sehat Card Plus Audit Demand: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Demand raised by | KP Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) |
| Proposal submitted to | Health Adviser Dr Nigar Johar Khan |
| PDA President | Dr Amir Taj Khan |
| Main demand | Independent audit of Sehat Card Plus programme |
| Proposed programme control | Directly under provincial government, not State Life Insurance Corporation |
| District specialists demanded | Around 600 |
What the 20-Point Proposal Seeks
The PDA called for an independent audit of Sehat Card Plus and proposed placing the programme directly under the provincial government instead of the State Life Insurance Corporation. It also demanded a confidential audit of medicine contracts and a review of procurement procedures.
The association further demanded the dissolution of existing boards of governors of medical teaching institutions and other health-related bodies, calling for appointments based on merit and professional competence. It sought high-level inquiries into alleged corruption and financial irregularities, with strict action against those found responsible.
600 District Specialists for Staff Shortages
Alongside the audit demand, the PDA called for the recruitment of around 600 district specialists to address staff shortages in hospitals across the province, highlighting the pressure on public health service delivery.
Background: NAB Summons Over Rs 21 Billion
The demand comes amid a National Accountability Bureau inquiry into the programme’s finances. NAB has summoned former Sehat Card CEO Dr Riaz Tanoli to appear at its Peshawar headquarters on October 29, 2026, in connection with alleged financial irregularities.
According to reports, NAB has asked for records of Rs 12 billion released and spent during the 2023-24 fiscal year, plus another Rs 9 billion covering July 2025 to July 2026. Investigators are examining unverified expenditures, duplicate card issuance, questionable vendor selection and high-value hospital claims. Health Adviser Dr Nigar Johar Khan has also called for a comprehensive financial audit of the programme.
FAQs About the Sehat Card Plus Audit Demand
Who demanded an audit of Sehat Card Plus?
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Doctors Association (PDA), led by President Dr Amir Taj Khan.
What did the PDA propose?
An independent audit of Sehat Card Plus, placing the programme directly under the provincial government instead of the State Life Insurance Corporation, plus a confidential audit of medicine contracts and a review of procurement procedures.
How many district specialists did the PDA demand?
Around 600 district specialists to address staff shortages in hospitals across the province.
What else is in the 20-point proposal?
Dissolution of existing boards of governors of medical teaching institutions and health bodies, merit-based appointments, and high-level inquiries into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.
Why is the audit demand in the news now?
It follows NAB’s summons to the former Sehat Card CEO over alleged irregularities involving Rs 21 billion, with an appearance scheduled for October 29, 2026. The inquiry does not establish that any individual has committed a crime.
Final Thoughts
The doctors’ association is pushing hard for transparency in one of KP’s flagship health programmes. With both the PDA and NAB calling for financial scrutiny of Sehat Card Plus, the focus is now on whether the programme’s funds and hospital claims can withstand an independent audit.